As per the latest update released on Wednesday, January 14, Virat Kohli is back at the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batsman rankings. However, Kohli’s position is not completely safe, as batsman Daryl Mitchell is far behind in the rankings and may overtake him depending on his upcoming performances.
During the second ODI against New Zealand at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, Kohli was out after scoring just 23 runs including two fours in 29 balls. Kohli tried to drive the ball well, but hit a thick inside edge, which hit the middle stump. His dismissal left India’s score at 118/4 after 23.3 overs.
After excellent form, Virat Kohli regains number 1 in ODI rankings
After his brilliant performance, Virat Kohli has once again reached the top of the ODI rankings. He scored a match-winning 93 against New Zealand in the first ODI in Vadodara, which took him back to the top.
Kohli’s rise began with an unbeaten half-century in the third ODI against Australia in Sydney in October 2025. Since then, he has added four more consecutive scores above fifty, reducing doubts about his long-term future.
Before the 2025 Champions Trophy, Kohli was not among the top five ranked ODI batsmen, but his recent consistency has changed that. With a rating of 785, he has regained the No. 1 ODI batsman position for the first time since 2021.
Rohit Sharma dropped two places to third place behind Daryl Mitchell, who is now in second place. The Indian openers slipped down the rankings after mixed performances against South Africa and New Zealand.
Daryl Mitchell eyes No. 1 spot in ICC ODI batsman rankings
Daryl Mitchell tops the ICC ODI batsmen’s rankings. He is currently ranked second with 784 points, just one point behind Virat Kohli, who is on top with 785.
Mitchell scored 84 runs from 71 balls for New Zealand in the first ODI, which moved him from No. 3 to No. 2. He has emerged as New Zealand’s most reliable middle-order batsman, known for his composure in pressure situations.
With such a small margin, any score above 25 runs in the remaining ODIs could see Mitchell overtake Kohli and become the new No. 1 ODI batsman. The ranking will be decided in the next update from the third and final ODI.
Anything above 25 runs from Daryl Mitchell
He will become the new No. 1 ODI batsman with still one ODI left before the next ICC ODI rankings update#INDvNZ
– 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) 14 January 2026
Virat Kohli becomes India’s longest serving No. 1 ODI batsman
Virat Kohli has once again strengthened his legacy in ODI cricket by returning to the No. 1 batsman ranking. With the latest update, this is the 11th time he has reached the top spot, a position he first achieved in October 2013.
Throughout his career, Kohli has so far spent a total of 825 days as the No. 1 ODI batsman, the most by any Indian batsman. His latest return to the top marks his first return to the top since July 2021, after last holding the position in April 2021.
In the all-time list of most days spent at No. 1 in ODIs, Kohli is currently ranked 10th overall. This record is in the name of Vivian Richards, who remained at the top for 2306 days.
Virat Kohli has so far spent a total of 825 days at No. 1 in ODIs, the most by any Indian batsman. pic.twitter.com/xFEnPikWDm
– ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) 14 January 2026
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