ICC ODI rankings: Rohit Sharma closes on Virat Kohli as No. 1 battle heats up

A roaring, record-breaking century at the Home of Cricket has not only silenced surrounding whispers over Rohit Sharma's international future, but it has also blown open the battle for the top spot in the ICC Men's ODI Batter Rankings.According to the latest weekly update released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), three of India's marquee batters-Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma-have surged forward in tandem, mounting a formidable three-pronged challenge against New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell for the top spot.While Mitchell retains a narrow, precarious lead at the summit with 802 rating points, Gill sits just a single point behind in second place (801 points) following a prolific 188-run haul across the recent three-match series in England. Kohli holds firm in third on 767 points, while former captain Rohit has moved within striking distance in fourth place with 758 points.Rohit gained 14 rating points following the hundred in the series finale on Saturday.DELIVERS UNDER PRESSURERohit's vault up the standings comes on the heels of a masterclass at Lord's, where he produced a majestic 138 off 110 deliveries, becoming the first Indian batter in history to register an ODI century at the iconic London venue. Battling through physical cramps and a mammoth run-chase of 388, the 39-year-old struck 17 boundaries and five sixes, using a willow borrowed from teammate Shardul Thakur.Also Read: Rohit Sharma proves Rohit Sharma isn't India's ODI problemThe innings carried immense narrative weight. Heading into the series decider, intense media speculation had suggested the Lord's fixture could mark the curtain call for Rohit's ODI career. Instead, the veteran opener delivered a resounding rebuttal on the pitch before brushing aside the scrutiny with characteristic nonchalance."The noise since I made my debut was there. And till the time I'm going to stay here, it's always going to be there. So it doesn't really matter too much," Rohit told BCCI.tv following the match. "What matters is what I do on the field, try to contribute to the success of the team... If there's no noise, there's no fun. My job is inside; their job is outside."Although India eventually fell 27 runs short to lose the series 1-2, the individual performances ensured significant shifts across the broader ICC rankings.England's Joe Root was the series' standout beneficiary, rising four places to eighth after accumulating 249 runs without being dismissed. Teammates Ben Duckett (up 11 spots to equal 19th) and Jacob Bethell (up five to 64th) also made notable gains.On the bowling front, England pace spearhead Jofra Archer climbed to third spot behind Afghanistan's top-ranked Rashid Khan and Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed, following a decisive five-wicket haul across the three matches against India.ICC ODI RANKINGS FOR BATTERS (As of July 22, 2026)1. Daryl Mitchell - 802 points2. Shubman Gill - 801 points3. Virat Kohli - 767 points4. Rohit Sharma - 758 points5. Ibrahim Zadran - 712 points6. Babar Azam - 689 points7. Harry Tector - 679 points8. Joe Root - 674 points9. Shai Hope - 672 points10. Charith Asalanka - 659 points- EndsPublished By: Akshay RameshPublished On: Jul 22, 2026 14:30 IST