The Indian cricket team has commenced the year 2026 with a spectacular victory, setting a positive tone for their international campaign. India secured a hard-fought four-wicket win against New Zealand in the first One Day International match played in Baroda on January 11, thereby taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series, while this victory wasn't only vital for the team's morale but has also laid the groundwork for significant shifts in the ICC ODI batting rankings, particularly among the sport's elite batsmen. Former Indian captain Virat Kohli is once again poised to claim the coveted number one position in the ICC ODI rankings, a development that could simultaneously lead to a substantial drop for the current top-ranked batsman, Rohit Sharma, while this anticipated upheaval has become a major talking point in the cricketing world, and its final confirmation awaits the official release of the updated rankings by the International Cricket Council.
The Significance and Previous State of ICC ODI Rankings
The International Cricket Council last updated its ODI rankings on December 6, 2025. From that date until the first ODI of the new year, the international cricket calendar saw no major One Day matches, consequently leading to no changes in the rankings. According to the last updated list, Rohit Sharma held the prestigious number one position in ODI cricket, boasting a rating of 781 points. This top spot is a testament to a batsman's consistency, form, and dominance in world cricket. Trailing closely behind him, in the second spot, was Virat Kohli, with a rating of 773 points. The slender margin of just eight rating points between these two cricketing stalwarts highlighted the intense competition for the pinnacle position. New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell occupied the third position with a rating of 766 points. This established order is now on the brink of a complete transformation following the match. Played on January 11, making it a subject of keen interest for cricket enthusiasts globally.
Rohit Sharma's First ODI Performance: A Missed Opportunity
As the year 2026 kicked off with the first ODI between India and New Zealand on the Baroda ground, all eyes were naturally on the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma. Sharma began his innings in his characteristic aggressive style, giving early indications of a potentially big score. He scored 26 runs off just 29 balls, an innings that included three well-struck fours and two towering sixes, thrilling the spectators with glimpses of his explosive power. However, despite getting a promising start, Sharma was unable to convert it into a substantial and impactful innings, which is often expected from a top-ranked batsman. He was dismissed at a crucial juncture, preventing the team from building further on a solid foundation. His strike rate for the innings stood at 89. 66, which was slightly below his usual aggressive tempo, especially when the team needed to accelerate towards a formidable total. This relatively modest performance has undoubtedly put his number one ranking in jeopardy, particularly given the exceptional showing from his closest competitor.
Virat Kohli's Dominant Batting Display: Near-Century Brilliance
In stark contrast, Virat Kohli delivered a commanding batting performance against New Zealand in the first ODI, showcasing his class, experience, and ability to perform under pressure. He played a magnificent innings of 93 runs off 91 balls, a. Testament to his consistent form and knack for delivering in crucial matches. Although he narrowly missed out on a century, falling short by just seven runs, his innings was instrumental in guiding the team to a strong position and laying the foundation for their victory. Kohli's knock was adorned with eight boundaries and one six, further demonstrating the quality and control of his batting. His strike rate of 102. 20 was Notably higher and more impactful than Rohit Sharma's, indicating a more dominant and effective presence at the crease. Kohli not only scored considerably more runs than Rohit but also did so with greater efficiency and under more pressure, which is expected to result in a significant boost to his rating points, potentially propelling him back to the top spot.
Daryl Mitchell's Impressive Contribution and Potential Ascent
New Zealand's batsman Daryl Mitchell also made a notable impact with his batting in the same match, impressing everyone with his skill and composure. Mitchell, who was ranked third in the previous ICC update, played a strong innings, scoring 84 runs off 71 balls. His performance is also highly likely to contribute positively to his rating points. And could make him a strong contender for a spot within the top two. Should Mitchell gain enough points from this impressive display, there is a distinct possibility that he could surpass Rohit Sharma to claim the second position, potentially pushing Sharma down to third. This adds another layer of intrigue to the competition among the top batsmen, as a single match's performances have created the potential for significant changes across the top three positions.
Analyzing the Anticipated Ranking Shake-Up
Revisiting the previous rankings, the difference between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli was a mere eight rating points. Following Virat Kohli's impactful 93-run innings and Rohit Sharma's relatively lower 26-run contribution, this narrow gap is almost certain to be bridged and overcome, while it's widely anticipated that Virat Kohli will successfully achieve a rating close to 800 points, thereby reclaiming the title of the number one batsman in the ICC ODI rankings. This would mark another significant achievement in his illustrious career, underscoring his consistency and dedication to the game. Conversely, Rohit Sharma is expected to experience a decline in his rating, while considering Daryl Mitchell's impressive performance of 84 runs, it's also plausible that he could leapfrog Rohit Sharma to secure the second position, which would relegate Sharma to the third spot. This would represent a major reshuffle at the top, becoming a significant talking point. Among cricket enthusiasts globally and intensifying the rivalry among these players in the future.
Upcoming Match and Eagerly Awaited Ranking Announcement
The second match of the series between India and New Zealand is scheduled to be played on January 14, which falls on a Wednesday. Coincidentally, this is also the day when the ICC is expected to release its updated ODI rankings. It's crucial to note that the runs scored in the second match on January 14 won't be factored into this particular ranking update. The upcoming rankings will solely reflect the performances from the first ODI played on January 11, thereby amplifying the significance of that match's individual contributions. All eyes are now eagerly awaiting the official announcement from the ICC on Wednesday to. Witness the actual changes in the rankings and determine which player ultimately stands at the pinnacle. Following this, it will be equally fascinating to observe how both players perform when they take to the field once again in the subsequent matches, as the ranking changes are bound to have a psychological impact on their game.
