Rohit Sharma has reclaimed one of the highest spots in ODI cricket, climbing to No. 2 in the latest ICC batting rankings. The 38-year-old opener, who has not played a competitive match since the IPL earlier this year, overtook Pakistan’s Babar Azam after the latter’s underwhelming series in the West Indies. Shubman Gill continues to lead the table, with Rohit closing in as both batsmen maintain a stronghold over the format.
Babar’s dip in form, managing only 56 runs across three ODIs, opened the door for Rohit’s leap. Despite his absence from recent matches, his stellar performances earlier in the year, particularly in the Champions Trophy, kept his rating points high enough to capitalize on the shift. Virat Kohli holds the fourth spot, giving India three batters in the top four and five in the top 15, with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul also making the cut.
Rohit’s ascent comes amid ongoing speculation about his ODI future. Having already stepped away from Test cricket alongside Kohli, questions remain whether he will extend his career beyond the next major tournament. For now, his form and consistency underline his status as one of the most reliable run-scorers in the modern game.
This ranking surge also adds intrigue to India’s leadership debate. With Gill’s rapid rise and whispers about a potential captaincy transition, Rohit’s continued excellence with the bat reinforces his claim to remain at the forefront. His ability to dominate at the top of the order, anchor chases, and deliver in big matches makes him indispensable to India’s ODI strategy.
Looking ahead, a possible return to action in the October home series against Australia could set the stage for an even closer battle with Gill for the No. 1 position. India’s current batting depth, with multiple world-class performers in peak form, puts them in an enviable position heading into a packed cricket calendar.
Rohit Sharma’s climb is more than a statistical movement—it is a statement of longevity, adaptability, and sustained excellence. Even without stepping onto the field in recent months, his record and impact ensure that he remains one of cricket’s elite figures, proving that class, when combined with consistency, can keep a player at the very top of the game.