Kohli edging closer to ODI summit after strong Vadodara showing
Virat Kohli is breathing down the neck of his fellow countryman Rohit Sharma in the ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings after India’s opening win over New Zealand in Vadodara. As of 12 January 2026, Kohli sits at second with 773 rating points, just eight points shy of Rohit, who leads with 781.
Vadodara innings tightened the race
Kohli’s powerful 93 off 91 balls in the chase of 301 proved decisive and narrowed the gap in the rankings. His knock — eight boundaries and a six, at a strike rate of 102.20 — is estimated to have added roughly 20–30 points to his tally. Rohit, by contrast, managed only 26 in Vadodara, while Daryl Mitchell’s excellent 84 for New Zealand has kept the contest intriguing.
How the ICC ODI rankings move
The ICC rankings use a points-based system updated weekly that factors in consistency, runs scored, strength of opposition, match situation and individual impact. Performances over the past two to four years are considered, with recent matches carrying more weight. That makes a big innings against a quality side like New Zealand particularly valuable; conversely, low scores can lead to deductions.
What the next two ODIs mean
The series continues with the second ODI in Rajkot on 14 January and the third in Indore on 18 January. Another 50-plus score from Kohli could yield an additional 10–20 points per innings, especially if India win. If Rohit struggles again, he risks slipping and allowing Kohli to overtake him. Daryl Mitchell, who currently sits third, can also move up with another strong showing in the remaining games.
Staying consistent is key
While big individual knocks swing ranking points, consistency prevents deductions and builds a higher base rating. Kohli’s recent ODI average remains above 50, which supports his challenge for the top spot. A single great innings helps, but stringing together strong scores is what ultimately secures and sustains a No. 1 position.
Current top five — ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings
- Rohit Sharma (India) – 781 points
- Virat Kohli (India) – 773 points
- Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) – 766 points
- Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan) – 764 points
- Shubman Gill (India) – 723 points
With two matches to go, the series offers more than a contest for victory — it’s a live leaderboard battle for individual ODI supremacy. Every run and every outing will be watched closely by fans and statisticians alike.