How can Rohit Sharma become No. 1 batter in third IND vs NZ ODI? Explained

Rohit Sharma eyes No. 1 spot as rankings battle heats up ahead of the IND vs NZ Indore decider.

Rohit Sharma has a golden opportunity to reclaim the ICC ODI No. 1 ranking when India face New Zealand in the third and final ODI at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18. With the series tied 1-1, the stage is perfectly set for the former Indian skipper to bounce back in style. This is not only to lead India to a series win but also regain his position as the world’s top-ranked ODI batter.

Rohit Sharma was the No.1 ODI batter after his performances against Australia and South Africa. But compatriot Virat Kohli leapfrogged Rohit to become the top-ranked ODI batter in the latest ICC rankings update released after the first ODI between India and New Zealand. Currently placed third in the ICC rankings with 775 rating points, Rohit trails teammate Virat Kohli (785 points) and New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell (784 points).

Having scores of 26 and 24 in the first two matches, the ‘Hitman’ will be keen to make amends in the decider and remind the cricketing world why he is regarded as one of the greatest white-ball openers of all time.

What Rohit Sharma needs to do to become No. 1 again in ICC ODI Rankings?

The equation is simple for Rohit Sharma. A big hundred in the third ODI could dramatically boost his rating points. If Rohit scores a century and both Kohli and Mitchell fail to register significant runs, the former Indian captain can leapfrog both batters to reclaim the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI rankings.

Even if Kohli and Mitchell get modest scores, a dominant knock from Rohit—especially a match-winning century—can tilt the rankings in his favour. Given Rohit’s history of scoring big in crucial games, the Indore crowd will be hoping for a trademark ‘Hitman’ special.

While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fell cheaply for scores of 24 and 23 respectively, Daryl Mitchell stole the spotlight with a magnificent 131 in the second ODI. Mitchell guided New Zealand to a series-levelling win and tightening the race at the top of the ICC ODI rankings.

The Holkar Stadium in Indore is known for its flat pitch and short boundaries, making it a paradise for batters. Rohit, with his effortless timing and ability to convert starts into massive scores, could be a major threat to the New Zealand bowling attack.

A quick start in the powerplay and a long stay at the crease could see Rohit pile on runs and put immense pressure on both Kohli and Mitchell in the rankings race.

IND vs NZ: A high-stakes battle for Rankings and series glory in Indore

With this being the last ODI for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Indian colours for a while, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Rohit will be desperate to sign off with a statement performance—taking India to another series win and reclaiming the coveted No. 1 ranking in the process.

All eyes will be on the former Indian skipper in Indore. If the ‘Hitman’ fires, not only could India lift the series, but Rohit could also once again sit atop the world as the No. 1 ODI batter.

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