In a significant shift in the cricketing world, Shubman Gill of India has reached the zenith of the ICC men’s batting rankings, dethroning Pakistan’s Babar Azam, who held the No.1 ODI batter position for over two years. Gill’s ascent to the top position follows his impressive performance in the ongoing World Cup 2023. He is now only the fourth Indian player to attain this prestigious position, joining the ranks of Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli.
Gill’s remarkable journey to the top of the rankings has been fueled by his stellar contributions to India’s campaign at the World Cup. Despite missing the initial two matches due to dengue infection, he has accumulated a total of 219 runs from six innings, which includes a notable 92 against Sri Lanka and 23 against South Africa.
This rise to the No.1 ranking has propelled Gill ahead of the previously dominant Babar Azam, who has accumulated 282 runs from eight matches in the World Cup. Babar has now slipped to the second position, trailing Gill. Gill holds a rating point of 830, while Babar Azam’s rating is 824. South Africa’s Quinton de Kock currently occupies the third position with a rating of 771.
In addition to Shubman Gill’s remarkable achievement, another Indian cricketing legend, Virat Kohli, has surged into the top five in the batting rankings. This feat is attributed to his exceptional performance during the World Cup, where he amassed a staggering 543 runs. Kohli now occupies the fourth position, merely one rating point behind the third-placed de Kock.
Mohammed Siraj, another talented Indian cricketer, has ascended to the No.1 spot in the ODI bowling rankings. His impressive display in the World Cup, where he secured ten wickets, propelled him to the pinnacle of the bowling rankings. Several Indian bowlers have made significant strides in the top 10 rankings, thanks to their unbeaten run in the World Cup. Kuldeep Yadav has risen to the fourth position, Jasprit Bumrah to the eighth, and Mohammed Shami to the tenth position. This noteworthy transformation in the bowling rankings underscores India’s dominance in the world of cricket.
The ODI rankings have witnessed a substantial shake-up, predominantly influenced by the outstanding performances in the World Cup. Indian cricketing stars have seized the opportunity to shine on the global stage, reaffirming their cricketing prowess.
