Virat Kohli Regains ICC ODI No.1 Ranking, Overtakes Rohit Sharma Despite Early Dismissal

Virat Kohli has reclaimed the ICC ODI No.1 batsman ranking, surpassing Rohit Sharma, even as he was dismissed for 23 runs in the second ODI against New Zealand.

January 14, 2026 | Mumbai, India – Indian cricket star Virat Kohli once again stamped his authority in international cricket by reclaiming the top position in the ICC ODI batsmen rankings, overtaking teammate Rohit Sharma. The achievement came despite Kohli’s modest score of 23 runs in the second One Day International against New Zealand, highlighting the consistency and impact of his performances over a sustained period.

Virat Kohli’s return to the No.1 ranking underscores his remarkable longevity at the highest level of the game. Over the years, Kohli has been one of the most reliable performers in ODI cricket, accumulating runs across conditions and against top-quality opposition. His rise to the top of the rankings reflects not just a single innings but a series of consistent performances that have kept him ahead of his peers.

Interestingly, the ranking update followed a match in which Kohli did not post a big score. In the second ODI against New Zealand, he was dismissed for 23 runs, a rare low contribution by his high standards. However, rankings are calculated based on a points system that takes into account long-term performance, opposition strength, and match context. Kohli’s previous performances proved strong enough to help him regain the top spot despite the early dismissal.

Rohit Sharma, who had been holding the No.1 position, slipped to the second spot following the latest ICC update. Rohit has been in impressive form himself and continues to be one of India’s most destructive opening batters in limited-overs cricket. The close competition between the two Indian stalwarts reflects India’s dominance in the ODI format and the depth of batting talent within the team.

The match against New Zealand on January 14, 2026, remained significant beyond individual rankings. India and New Zealand have shared a competitive rivalry in white-ball cricket, and every encounter draws global attention. While Kohli’s dismissal came earlier than expected, other Indian batters stepped up, emphasizing the team’s collective strength.

Cricket experts have pointed out that Kohli’s achievement is a testament to his adaptability and hunger for excellence. Even during phases when he is not scoring heavily in every match, his overall impact remains substantial. His ability to bounce back quickly and deliver match-winning performances has kept him among the world’s best for more than a decade.

Fans across social media celebrated Kohli’s return to the top of the ICC rankings, viewing it as a reward for his discipline and work ethic. Many described the rivalry between Kohli and Rohit Sharma as healthy competition that continues to push both players to perform at their best for the country.

As of January 14, 2026, Virat Kohli’s return to the No.1 ODI ranking has added another milestone to his illustrious career. With major international tournaments ahead, the focus will now shift to how long he can maintain the top position and how India’s batting unit continues to dominate world cricket.

The development once again reinforces India’s strong presence in international cricket rankings. With players like Kohli and Rohit consistently occupying the top spots, Indian cricket fans have much to celebrate as the team continues to set benchmarks on the global stage.

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