Rohit Sharma reclaims position as number 1 ODI batter ahead of series vs South Africa

Rohit Sharma has returned to the summit of the ICC ODI batting rankings, reclaiming the No. 1 position just days before India open their series against South Africa in Ranchi. The former India skipper moved past New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell after the Kiwi all-rounder missed the final two ODIs of the West Indies series, a stretch in which he lost crucial rating points.

Rohit’s week grew sweeter when the ICC confirmed him as the tournament ambassador for the



2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The veteran has featured in every edition since 2007, winning titles in 2007 and 2024 and retiring from the format after leading India to glory last year.

Meanwhile, Mitchell’s slip wasn’t the only movement in the charts. New Zealand still found reasons to celebrate, with Rachin Ravindra nudging up to 12th and Devon Conway making one of the week’s biggest jumps to 31st after a steady run of scores.