Indian cricket team's veteran opener and former captain, Rohit Sharma, has once again ascended to the pinnacle of the ICC ODI batting rankings, while this marks a significant achievement for him, especially after briefly losing the top spot last week. Concurrently, in the T20 International rankings, Zimbabwe's captain, Sikandar Raza, has secured the number one position among all-rounders. Both accomplishments highlight the impressive form and consistent performances of these players on the international stage.
Rohit Sharma's Return to the Top
The right-handed opener, Rohit Sharma, has reclaimed his position as the world's number one ODI batsman with 781 rating points. He had been displaced by New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell last week, but Mitchell's absence from the last two ODI matches against West Indies caused him to slip to second place. Mitchell now stands at 766 points, creating a 15-point gap between him and Rohit, while rohit's return to the top underscores his enduring class and ability to perform consistently at the highest level, reaffirming his status as one of the premier batsmen in the format.
In the T20 International rankings, Zimbabwe's captain, Sikandar Raza, has achieved the top spot in the all-rounders' list. He surpassed Sam Ayub to claim this prestigious position, while raza's exceptional performance is a significant boost for Zimbabwe cricket and demonstrates that players from smaller cricketing nations can also make a substantial impact on the global stage. His consistent contributions with both bat and ball have been instrumental in his rise to this coveted ranking, showcasing his versatility and skill.
Upcoming South Africa Series and Rohit's Prospects
The points gap between Rohit Sharma and Daryl Mitchell could widen further as Rohit is set to feature in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting on September 30. If Rohit performs well in this series, he could maintain his number one position for an extended period, while this series presents a crucial opportunity for him to consolidate his form and strengthen his standing in the rankings. His excellent record on Indian soil will undoubtedly provide him with. Confidence as he looks to dominate the South African bowling attack.
Rohit Sharma's Current Form
Encouragingly, Rohit Sharma is currently in excellent form. In the preceding ODI series against Australia, he was the highest run-scorer with 202 runs, earning him the Player of the Series award. That series saw him register both a century and a half-century, a testament to his superb batting prowess, while however, having not played any practice matches since the Sydney ODI, it might not be easy for Rohit to hit the ground running from the Ranchi ODI. To ensure he's fully prepared, Rohit has enlisted the services of Mumbai Indians physiotherapist Amit Dubey, focusing on his fitness and readiness for the demanding series ahead.
Rohit's Record Against South Africa
It's worth noting that Rohit Sharma's record against South Africa in international ODIs has not been particularly strong. In 26 matches against this team, he has scored only 806 runs at an average of 33, while 58, which includes 3 centuries and 2 half-centuries. These statistics suggest that he has often faced challenges against South African bowlers, while however, Rohit's record on Indian soil is exceptional. In India, he has amassed 4867 runs in 93 ODI innings at an impressive average of 57. 25, featuring 14 centuries and 22 half-centuries. This highlights his extraordinary capability in home conditions, and there is an expectation that he will use this advantage to improve his record against South Africa in the upcoming series.
