Rohit Sharma creates history at 38: Dethrones Shubman Gill to become world No.1 ODI batter for the first time

In a record-breaking moment for Indian cricket, former captain Rohit Sharma has climbed to the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings, becoming the oldest player ever to achieve the feat. At 38 years and 182 days, the Mumbai-born star surpassed Indian skipper Shubman Gill to claim the coveted No.1 spot for the first time in his illustrious career.

Rohit Sharma’s Remarkable Rise to the Top of ICC ODI Rankings

Rohit’s incredible consistency in the recently concluded India vs Australia ODI series proved pivotal to his historic ascent. The veteran opener struck a gritty 73 runs off 97 balls in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval on October 23, before producing a match-winning unbeaten 121 from 125 deliveries in the third ODI at Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25.

These back-to-back masterclasses not only powered India to a series win but also pushed Rohit’s ICC rating points from 745 to 798, enabling him to dethrone Gill and become the world’s top-ranked ODI batter.

Rohit Joins Legendary List of Indian Greats to Reach No.1

Rohit now joins an elite club of Indian cricketers who have held the ICC No.1 ODI batting spot, a list that includes Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill. This milestone further solidifies his reputation as one of India’s most dependable and explosive batters in limited-overs cricket.

Over the years, Rohit has been the backbone of India’s ODI success, known for his effortless strokeplay, tactical brilliance, and record-breaking centuries, including his world-record 264-run knock, still unbeaten in ODI history.

What the Latest ICC ODI Rankings Reveal

The latest ICC update brought several shifts in the ODI batting order:

• Shubman Gill, who had been in sublime form earlier this year, dropped to third place after a lean series against Australia, scoring just 10, 9, and 24 runs across three matches.
• Virat Kohli remained steady at fifth, thanks to his fighting 74 off 81 balls* in the final ODI at SCG. Despite starting the series with two ducks, the former captain saw a minor uptick in his rating points from 724 to 730.
• Other notable movements include David Warner and Babar Azam retaining their spots in the top 10, while young English batter Harry Brook entered the top 20 for the first time.

Why Rohit Sharma’s Feat Matters for Indian Cricket

Rohit Sharma’s achievement holds immense significance for Indian cricket. Not only does it reaffirm his world-class status, but it also reflects his longevity and adaptability, qualities rarely seen in modern-day cricket.

At an age when most players start winding down, Rohit’s hunger for runs and his calm leadership presence continue to inspire a new generation of Indian cricketers. His recent performances underline that form and focus can outshine age, making him a timeless figure in world cricket.