Published on: Jan 14, 2026 7:39 pm IST|Updated on: Jan 14, 2026 7:52 pm IST
Virat Kohli, the undisputed ‘King’ of cricket, has regained his throne. The champion batter is back at the top of Mount Rushmore in terms of the ICC ODI batters ranking. Virat Kohli has now returned to the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings after five years, dethroning Rohit Sharma and reaffirming his legendary status in world cricket.
Virat Kohli has once again climbed to the pinnacle of the ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings, reclaiming the No. 1 position in January 2026 after nearly five years. The 37-year-old Indian batting maestro displaced teammate Rohit Sharma, who slipped to third, while New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell surged to second place. Kohli’s resurgence has been fueled by a remarkable streak of consistency, including a match-winning 93 against New Zealand in Vadodara on January 11, 2026.
This latest achievement marks the 11th time in his career that Kohli has occupied the top spot in ODI rankings. He also set a record for the most days at No. 1 by an Indian batter, 825 days in total. His return to the summit underscores his longevity, adaptability, and hunger for success even in the twilight of his career.
Kohli first rose to the top of the ODI rankings in October 2013. Since then, he has had multiple stints at No. 1, but his most recent before this came in July 2021. For nearly five years, he remained outside the top spot, with Rohit Sharma and other contemporaries dominating the charts.
However, Kohli’s recent purple patch has been extraordinary. He has registered seven consecutive 50-plus scores in List A cricket, including five straight in ODIs. This streak began in the third ODI against Australia in Sydney and has continued seamlessly, showcasing his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed.
His 93-run knock against New Zealand was a classic Kohli performance—controlled aggression, precise shot selection, and the ability to chase under pressure. That innings not only helped India secure a four-wicket win but also propelled him past Rohit Sharma in the rankings.
Kohli’s return to No. 1 also coincides with him becoming the second-highest run-getter in men’s international cricket, behind only Sachin Tendulkar. His ability to sustain excellence across formats has kept him relevant even as younger talents emerge.
India now boasts four batters inside the top 11 of the ODI rankings, underlining their dominance in the format. Kohli’s resurgence provides a psychological boost ahead of a crucial ODI season, with the Champions Trophy and other marquee tournaments on the horizon.
For Rohit Sharma, slipping to third is a setback, but his partnership with Kohli remains vital for India’s success. Shubman Gill’s presence ensures India has a blend of youth and experience at the top.
Kohli’s return to No. 1 also strengthens India’s aura in ODIs. His ability to chase totals and deliver under pressure has long been a hallmark of his career, and his current form suggests he is far from finished.
Daryl Mitchell’s rise to second place is equally noteworthy. The New Zealand batter has been in sublime touch, scoring heavily against India and other top teams. His consistency has made him one of the most reliable middle-order batters in world cricket.
The reshuffle in rankings also reflects the competitive nature of modern ODI cricket. With players like Travis Head, Babar Azam, and David Warner hovering around the top 10, the battle for supremacy remains fierce.
At 37, Kohli’s return to the top is a testament to his fitness, discipline, and mental toughness. Few players have managed to sustain such high standards across formats for over a decade. His record of 11 stints at No. 1 in ODIs places him among the greatest ever.
His journey has not been without challenges. Between 2020 and 2022, Kohli endured a lean phase, struggling for centuries and facing criticism. Yet, his comeback has silenced doubters, proving that class is permanent.
With the ODI calendar packed in 2026, Kohli’s form will be crucial for India. The current New Zealand series, along with other bilateral series, and preparations for the ultimate World Cup, i.e., the 2027 ODI World Cup, will test his consistency. If he maintains his current streak, Kohli could extend his stay at No. 1 and add further milestones to his illustrious career. For India, having Kohli back at the top is more than symbolic; it’s a sign that the king is back on his throne.