IND vs NZ: How can Virat Kohli become No. 1 ranked batter in ODIs? Explained
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Virat Kohli played a magical innings with the bat in the first IND vs NZ ODI in Vadodara.
In the ongoing India vs New Zealand ODI series, Virat Kohli is tantalisingly close to reclaiming the top spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings, a position he dominated for years. As of January 12, 2026, following India’s four-wicket victory in the series opener at Vadodara on January 11, Kohli sits at No. 2 with 773 rating points, just eight behind teammate Rohit Sharma’s 781.
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell trails at third with 766. Kohli’s sublime 93 off 91 balls in the chase of 301 has narrowed the gap, while Rohit’s 26 and Mitchell’s 84 add intrigue to the race.
The ICC rankings, updated weekly, use a points-based system that rewards consistency, volume of runs, opposition strength, match context, and individual impact. Points are weighted over the last 24-48 months, with recent performances carrying more value.
A high-scoring innings against a strong team like New Zealand boosts ratings significantly, while failures deduct points. For instance, Kohli’s knock, which featured eight fours and a six at a strike rate of 102.20, earned him 20-30 points.
What does Virat Kohli need to do to achieve No. 1 ranking in ICC ODI rankings?
- Strong Performances in Remaining Matches: The second ODI is on January 14 in Rajkot, and the third on January 18 in Indore. Another 50+ score could add 10-20 points per innings, especially if India wins. If Rohit underperforms (as in Vadodara), his points drop, widening Kohli’s lead.
- Competition: Daryl Mitchell is not far behind, having fallen to #2. He scored a superb 84 in the first match, and similar outings in the next two ODIs could see him climb up the ladder.
- Avoiding Deductions: Consistency is key; a low score could stall progress, but Kohli’s recent average (over 50 in ODIs) favors him.
Current Top five of ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings
- Rohit Sharma (India) – 781 points
- Virat Kohli (India) – 773 points
- Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) – 766 points
- Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan) – 764 points
- Shubman Gill (India) – 723 points
Who is the current ODI No. 1 batter in the ICC rankings?
Rohit Sharma is currently ranked World No. 1 batter according to the ICC rankings.
Has Virat Kohli been No. 1 in ODIs before?
Yes—Kohli dominated the top spot for over three years. Reclaiming it now would mark an epic return at 37.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.