Team India’s veteran opener Rohit Sharma has scripted yet another historic milestone in his illustrious career — becoming the world’s No. 1 ODI batter for the first time. The 38-year-old star climbed two spots in the latest ICC ODI rankings, surpassing his young teammate and India’s current captain Shubman Gill to take the top position.
With this feat, Rohit has joined an elite list of Indian legends — Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill — who have all previously held the No. 1 ODI batter ranking.
Rohit Sharma’s Remarkable Rise
Rohit Sharma’s ascent to the top of the ICC rankings comes after two stellar performances in the India vs. Australia ODI series.
In the second ODI at Adelaide Oval on October 23, Rohit scored a composed 73 off 97 balls, anchoring India’s innings with trademark elegance. He followed that up with a match-winning unbeaten 121 off 125 balls in the third ODI at Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25 — a knock filled with exquisite drives, effortless sixes, and controlled aggression.
These two innings helped Rohit add valuable ICC rating points, taking his total to 785 points, enough to dethrone Gill and claim the top spot in the world.
Oldest Indian to Reach No. 1
At 38 years and 182 days, Rohit Sharma has also become the oldest Indian player ever to achieve the No. 1 ODI ranking — surpassing even the great Sachin Tendulkar, who last held the position at 36.
This achievement stands as a testament to Rohit’s longevity, consistency, and adaptability across formats. Despite transitioning from captaincy duties earlier this year, Rohit continues to deliver with the bat, proving that age is just a number when it comes to class and commitment.
Elite Indian Company
Rohit now joins an exclusive club of Indian cricketers who have ruled the ODI batting charts:
- Sachin Tendulkar – Held the No. 1 spot for over 350 weeks between 1990 and 2008
- MS Dhoni – Briefly topped the list in 2006 during his peak finishing years
- Virat Kohli – Dominated the No. 1 spot for a record 1,258 days between 2017–2021
- Shubman Gill – The youngest Indian to reach No. 1, earlier this year
- Rohit Sharma – Now the oldest to do so, completing India’s generational circle of batting excellence
A Symbol of Consistency
Since making his ODI debut in 2007, Rohit has been one of India’s most dependable performers in the 50-over format. Known for his effortless timing and ability to convert starts into big scores, he has 31 ODI centuries, including three double hundreds, a record unmatched in world cricket.
His ability to adapt to various conditions and his leadership presence on the field have made him one of India’s most complete modern-day cricketers.
What’s Next for Rohit Sharma
With India set to face New Zealand in a three-match home ODI series next month, Rohit will look to further solidify his top position in the rankings. His current form also provides a major boost for India as they prepare for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s rise to the No. 1 ODI batter ranking is not just a personal triumph but also a reflection of his enduring class, discipline, and hunger for excellence. From a promising young talent to one of cricket’s most respected icons, Rohit continues to inspire millions — proving that true greatness only gets better with time.