Virat Kohli returns to No 1 as Pakistan players make notable gains in latest ICC rankings

(Web Desk) – India’s star batter Virat Kohli has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC men’s ODI batting rankings after India’s four-wicket win over New Zealand in the first ODI, but the latest update also brings encouraging news for Pakistan cricket.

Kohli’s match-winning 93 off 91 balls in Vadodara helped India chase a 300-run target and pushed him back to No.1 for the first time since July 2021.

The 37-year-old has now enjoyed 11 stints at the top of the rankings, holding the position for a total of 825 days — the longest for any Indian batter.

From a Pakistani perspective, the rankings saw positive movement across formats.

In the T20I bowlers list, pacer Salman Mirza climbed an impressive 16 places to 19th after a three-wicket haul against Sri Lanka.

Batter Sahibzada Farhan also continued his upward run, moving up one spot to fifth following consistent performances, while skipper Salman Ali Agha jumped 13 places to reach 41st.

However, Pakistan all-rounder Saim Ayub slipped one position in the all-rounders’ rankings, allowing Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza to regain the top spot.

In other developments, New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell surged up the ODI batting rankings after scoring a brisk 84 against India, while Devon Conway also made gains. Among bowlers, India’s Mohammed Siraj and New Zealand’s Kyle Jamieson improved their standings following strong performances.

The Test rankings update, following the Ashes series, saw several Australian players rise, led by Travis Head, who moved up to third after a prolific series against England.

Overall, the latest rankings underline Kohli’s return to form while highlighting steady progress by Pakistani players, particularly in the T20 format, offering optimism ahead of upcoming international assignments.