Rohit Sharma becomes ICC Men’s Number One ODI Batter for the first time
Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma has added another golden chapter to his illustrious career. The 38-year-old opener and former Team India captain has become the ICC Men’s Number One ODI batter for the first time ever, following a superb performance in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia.
Rohit, who was adjudged the Player of the Series, amassed 202 runs in three matches, including a match-winning century in the final ODI at Sydney. This achievement comes nearly two decades after his international debut, underlining his longevity, consistency, and class in world cricket.
A Career-Defining Moment
For someone who has been one of the pillars of India’s limited-overs setup for over a decade, it’s remarkable that this is Rohit’s first time as the No. 1 ranked ODI batter in ICC history.
He surpassed teammate Shubman Gill, who previously held the top spot, and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran to move up to 781 rating points — his career-best. This surge came on the back of two stellar innings that reminded fans why Rohit remains one of the finest ODI openers of the modern era.
Rohit’s Series Against Australia – A Masterclass in Composure
In the three-match ODI series against Australia, Rohit Sharma looked in imperious touch throughout.
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2nd ODI, Adelaide:
With India struggling early against a fiery Australian pace attack, Rohit displayed resilience, crafting a patient 73 off 97 balls. He rotated strike efficiently and anchored the innings, showing his adaptability on a surface offering extra bounce. -
3rd ODI, Sydney:
Rohit produced a vintage masterclass, smashing 121 off 125 balls with 13 boundaries and three sixes. It was an innings filled with timing, placement, and signature pull shots. His knock guided India to a nine-wicket win, sealing the series 2–1.
During that innings, Rohit also reached a monumental career milestone — his 50th international century, joining an elite club of batting legends.
A Journey of Patience, Power, and Precision
Rohit Sharma didn’t just show up as a superstar; he grew into one. When he first played ODIs back in 2007, he was just another promising guy in the middle order. But over the years, he’s turned himself into one of the most dangerous openers out there. The way he turns a good start into a monster score is something else. No one does it like him — just look at those three double centuries in ODIs, especially that insane 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014.
Over the years, Rohit has refined his game. His calm temperament, combined with his natural stroke-making, makes him lethal in all conditions. Even as he approaches the twilight of his career, his hunger for runs continues to set him apart.
Rohit’s ODI Record – A Testament to Greatness
With 11,370 ODI runs at an impressive average of 49.22, Rohit now stands among the all-time greats of the format. His record includes:
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33 ODI centuries
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59 half-centuries
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3 double centuries
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A highest score of 264
These numbers place him alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Ricky Ponting in ODI history.
What’s more striking is his ability to rise to big occasions — be it ICC tournaments, bilateral series deciders, or high-pressure chases. Time and again, Rohit has delivered when it matters most.
ICC Rankings Shake-Up: Gill and Zadran Slip
Reaction from the Cricketing World
Rohit’s achievement has been widely celebrated by players, pundits, and fans across the cricketing world.
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir praised Rohit’s consistency, saying:
“Rohit Sharma becoming the No. 1 ODI batter at this stage of his career is special. He’s shown that class and composure never age.”
Former Australia captain Aaron Finch also lauded his performance:
“What stood out was how Rohit adjusted to different conditions in Adelaide and Sydney. That’s the hallmark of a complete batter.”
Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages as fans hailed the “Hitman” for his record-breaking achievement.
Rohit Sharma’s Legacy – Beyond Numbers
Rohit’s rise to the top spot is more than just a statistical milestone; it’s a tribute to his perseverance and reinvention. From being labeled inconsistent in his early days to becoming India’s most trusted opener, his journey symbolizes patience and passion.
As India prepare for a busy cricket calendar in 2025–26, Rohit’s return to form couldn’t have come at a better time. His experience will be crucial in guiding young talents like Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, ensuring India’s dominance in white-ball cricket continues.
What Lies Ahead
With the Champions Trophy 2026 and another ICC ODI cycle on the horizon, Rohit Sharma’s focus will now shift towards maintaining his fitness and consistency. Given his current rhythm, it wouldn’t be surprising if he continues to dominate for a few more years.
Having already led India to success across formats, this individual accolade is a fitting reward for a player who has been the backbone of India’s ODI batting lineup for more than a decade.
Quick Stats Summary
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Age | 38 years |
| ODI Runs | 11,370 |
| Average | 49.22 |
| Centuries | 33 |
| Half-Centuries | 59 |
| Highest Score | 264 |
| ICC Rating Points (Current) | 781 |
| ODI Debut | 2007 vs Ireland |
