Rohit Sharma Becomes Oldest ICC No.1 ODI Batter
Rohit Sharma created history by becoming the oldest Indian cricketer to reach the No.1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings. At 38 years and 182 days, Rohit climbed two places to achieve the top position for the first time in his career, overtaking current India captain Shubman Gill.
His remarkable rise came after a brilliant performance in the recent ODI series against Australia, where he was the highest run-scorer and won the Player of the Series award. Rohit scored 202 runs in three matches at an impressive average of 101, while Gill managed only 43 runs across the same series.
Rohit Sharma now leads the ICC ODI batting rankings with 781 rating points. Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran holds the second spot with 764 points, while Shubman Gill has slipped to third.
At 38 years and 182 days, Rohit Sharma has become the oldest batter ever to hold the No.1 position in the ICC men’s rankings, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who last topped the Test rankings at 38 years and 73 days in 2011. This milestone marks Rohit’s first time reaching the top of the ODI batting charts - a remarkable feat for a player in the later stages of his international career.
Virat Kohli, who returned to form with an unbeaten 74 in the third ODI, stands sixth in the rankings with 725 points. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, despite not batting in the final ODI, has climbed to ninth place in the latest update.
Rohit Sharma Reflects on His Fond Memories in Australia
This milestone holds extra significance for Rohit Sharma, especially amid ongoing discussions about his ODI future. With Shubman Gill taking over as ODI captain before the Australia series, many fans and experts speculated that Rohit might soon retire from the format.
However, Rohit silenced all doubts with his superb form in Australia, delivering two brilliant innings in Adelaide and Sydney. Still, his remarks after the series hinted that this could be his final appearance in Australia.
“Always love coming here and playing. I have fond memories from 2008,” Rohit said. “I’m not sure if we’ll be coming back to Australia again, but we always enjoy our cricket, no matter what achievements come our way.”