In the latest update of the ICC ODI batters' rankings, cricket enthusiasts witnessed a notable shakeup as Team India's charismatic captain, Rohit Sharma, made a monumental leap. Rohit Sharma's astounding performances in the 2023 World Cup, particularly against Afghanistan and Pakistan, have propelled him to sixth place in the rankings. This remarkable climb is a testament to his exceptional skills with the bat and his crucial contributions to the Indian team's success.
Rohit Sharma's scintillating 131-run innings against Afghanistan and a commanding 86 off just 63 balls against arch-rivals Pakistan showcased his class and determination. These outstanding displays not only helped India secure comfortable victories but also solidified their position at the top of the World Cup points table. As of now, India and New Zealand are the only two teams yet to suffer a defeat in the tournament.
Virat Kohli, India's No.3 batsman, finds himself tied for the eighth position in the rankings, alongside England's Dawid Malan, both with 711 rating points. Kohli's performances in the World Cup have been nothing short of impressive, as he stood firm when the team was at 2/3, guiding India to a convincing six-wicket win in the opener against Australia. His unbeaten half-century in the game against Afghanistan further underlined his class.
South Africa's wicketkeeper-batter, Quinton de Kock, also enjoyed a significant rise in the rankings, securing the third spot. De Kock's back-to-back centuries in the World Cup, a brilliant 100 against Sri Lanka and a stunning 109 against Australia, were instrumental in his ascent. Despite a brief setback against the Netherlands, South Africa's shock loss, his consistency and power-hitting have been noteworthy.
The rankings also witnessed considerable movement with Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz climbing 19 spots to claim the 18th position. Similarly, Netherlands' captain, Scott Edwards, moved up by 16 spots to secure the 27th spot. Both players played pivotal roles in their respective teams' surprising victories over strong opponents, England and South Africa.
Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, who has been in commanding form throughout the World Cup, remains at the top of the rankings with an impressive rating of 836 points. His half-century against India consolidated his lead, extending it to 18 points over the second-placed Indian opener, Shubman Gill.
Among bowlers, Mohammed Siraj stands as India's highest-ranked bowler, currently holding the third position. He is behind Australia's Josh Hazlewood and New Zealand's Trent Boult. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah and South Africa's Kagiso Rabada made significant strides, both rising in the rankings to reach the 14th position, while Lungi Ngidi jumped six spots to 16th.
As the 2023 World Cup unfolds with more thrilling matches, the ongoing race for the top positions in the ICC rankings promises to add an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. With players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Quinton de Kock, and Babar Azam showcasing their brilliance, fans can expect a fierce competition in the ODI format, keeping cricket enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
