New Zealand Star Replaces Rohit Sharma as New ODI No.1 Batter

Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Rohit Sharma are the Indian batters, currently ranked among the top ten in the ICC ODI Batting Rankings.

New Zealand Star Replaces Rohit Sharma as New ODI No.1 Batter

Rohit Sharma dropped to No.2 on the ICC ODI Batting Rankings, with New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell displacing him from the top spot. (via NDTV Sports)

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Just weeks after reaching the top of the ICC ODI Batting Rankings, ex-Indian captain and icon Rohit Sharma’s reign as the No.1-ranked batter has come to an end. The 38-year-old has been replaced by New Zealand all-rounder Daryll Mitchell at the top, in the recently-released rankings.

It was a historic first for Rohit Sharma, after he leapt past Shubman Gill to occupy the number one spot on the ICC ODI Batting Rankings, last month. Sharma’s ascent was powered by his impressive showing in the three-match ODI series against Australia. Returning to international cricket after a prolonged break, he finished with 202 runs in three ODIs at an average of 101, including a 121-run knock in Sydney.

However, Sharma’s reign at the top has come to any abrupt end after only 22 days, as he has now dropped to the No. 2 spot on the ODI Batting Rankings, with 781 points, one less than New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, who reigns supreme. The 34-year-old jumped two spots to occupy the No.1 spot, with a career-best rating of 782 points. Mitchell’s milestone broke a 47-year-old jinx for New Zealand cricket in the ODI Rankings.

Daryl Mitchell is only the second Kiwi star to make it to the top, after former icon Glenn Turner, who last held the top spot on the ODI Batting Rankings in 1979. Between the two, several other illustrious batters from the country, including legends like Martin Crowe, Nathan Astle, Andrew Jones, Roger Twose, Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor, only managed to break into the top five in the rankings.

While the 34-year-old all-rounder has been ruled out of New Zealand’s ongoing ODI series against West Indies at home due to a groin injury, his rise has been plummeted by a match-winning hundred that he scored in the opening One-Day in Christchurch. Mitchell scored 119 runs off 118 deliveries, plundering 12 boundaries and two sixes, to help the home side reach a competitive first-inning total of 269/7.

Overall, Daryl Mitchell has been in stunning form in ODIs this year, having scored 761 runs in 16 innings at an average of 54.35, with a hundred and six fifties. Coming back to Rohit Sharma, the former India captain now ranks second, while Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran ranks third.

India considering Rohit Sharma or KL Rahul to step in as ODI skipper if Shubman Gill’s injury persists

The Indian selectors face a massive dilemma just ahead of the start of the white-ball series against South Africa, given captain Shubman Gill is out with a neck injury. It remains uncertain whether the 26-year-old will recover in time to make his place in the ODIs, starting November 30. 

Rohit Sharma or KL Rahul captain Shubman Gill injury
KL Rahul or Rohit Sharma might be appointed India’s ODI captain, in the absence of Shubman Gill. (via News 18)

Shubman Gill suffered a neck spasm, while batting on Day 2 of the first Test match between India and South Africa, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He retired hurt, and was admitted to the hospital. While it is certain that Gill will not be a part of the Men in Blues’ playing XI for the second Test in Guwahati, the focus has shifted to his availability for the remainder of the series against the Proteas.

In case Gill is not picked for the ODIs, the team management might have to look for a stand-in skipper, given vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is also out with a spleen injury. This leaves KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as the contenders to lead the team in their absence, with former captain Rohit Sharma as a far-fetched option. The chances of Rahul being named skipper are high because of his experience and seniority.

Apart from them, there is also an outside possibility of Hardik Pandya, who is expected to make his return from an injury, being appointed as captain. Gill, on the other hand, would get enough time to be fit enough for the crucial 2026 T20 World Cup, in February.

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