Did Daryl Mitchell overtake Virat Kohli in ODI batting rankings by scoring century in IND vs NZ series decider?

Daryl Mitchell smashed yet another 130+ score against India.

In the third and final ODI against India (IND vs NZ) at Holkar Stadium, Indore, on January 18, 2026, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell delivered a masterful century, marking his second successive hundred in the series.

Batting at No. 4, Mitchell anchored the innings after early wickets, reaching his ton in 106 balls and finishing with a commanding 137 off 131 deliveries. This knock came amid a dominant partnership with Glenn Phillips, who also scored a century, helping New Zealand post a formidable total despite India’s bowlers striking back late.

Mitchell’s innings highlighted his exceptional form against India, extending his streak of 50-plus scores in the last seven ODIs against them to 130, 134, 17, 63, 84, 131*, and now this century, establishing him as the first batter to score five consecutive 50-plus scores against India on Indian soil.

Did Mitchell overtake Virat in ODI batting rankings?

This performance had massive implications for the ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings. Leading into the series, Virat Kohli had reclaimed the No. 1 spot on January 14 after hammering a 93 in the first ODI, with 785 points, just one ahead of Mitchell’s 784.

Kohli’s modest 23 in the second ODI did little to bolster his tally. Mitchell’s explosive century, combined with consistent high-impact innings in this series, will help him surpass Kohli in the updated rankings after the match. Mitchell will ascend to the top spot, ending Kohli’s brief return to No. 1 after nearly five years.

This shift underscores Mitchell’s remarkable consistency in ODIs, where his average now exceeds 58 (the highest among batters with over 2,000 runs and 50 innings), and his dominance in Indian conditions, headlined by four centuries in eight innings against India here.

How can Virat Kohli remain No. 1?

To retain the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings, Virat Kohli needs to deliver a high-impact innings in the ongoing third ODI against New Zealand at Indore. As per the latest rankings (updated before this match on January 11, 2026), Kohli holds 785 points, just one ahead of Daryl Mitchell’s 784.

Mitchell’s 137 in New Zealand’s first innings has likely boosted his rating significantly, potentially pushing him past Kohli unless Kohli counters with a strong performance.

The ICC ranking system is complex and not fully public, but it awards points based on runs scored, strike rate, the innings’ context, opposition strength, pitch conditions, and match result.

A bonus is added if the player’s team wins, and performances are weighted. Based on past examples, like Kohli gaining 12 points from his 93 in the first ODI, a century at a strike rate above 100 could net him 10-20 points or more, especially in a successful chase.

To stay ahead, Kohli probably needs at least 120-140 runs (matching or exceeding Mitchell’s knock) at a brisk pace, while helping India win. A lower score, even if India wins, might not suffice given Mitchell’s gain. If Kohli falls short, Mitchell could claim No. 1 in the next update, expected after the series.

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