In a recent turn of events, the ICC ODI rankings have seen a significant shift following the conclusion of the Champions Trophy. The Indian cricket team, riding high on their unbeaten streak, has made notable gains in both the batting and bowling departments. Notably, four Indian players now hold positions in the top eight of the ICC’s ODI batting rankings, showcasing their dominance on the world stage.
Shubman Gill continues to lead the pack at No. 1, with Rohit Sharma climbing two places to claim the third spot. Virat Kohli, whose exceptional performance earned him 218 runs during the tournament, has secured the fifth position. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer maintains his hold on the eighth spot, further solidifying India’s prowess in the batting lineup.
However, it wasn’t just the batsmen who shone in the Champions Trophy. The spinners played a crucial role in India’s triumph, with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja making significant strides in the ODI bowlers’ rankings. Yadav, who kicked off the final match with a wicket, now stands at an impressive third place. On the other hand, Jadeja’s exceptional economy rate of 4.35 throughout the tournament has earned him the tenth spot.
Looking ahead, India’s ODI squad faces upcoming challenges with tours to Bangladesh, Australia, and home matches against South Africa and New Zealand on the horizon. As questions loom over the future participation of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, cricketing legend Ricky Ponting believes that Rohit still has much to offer in the ODI format. Reflecting on Rohit’s stellar performance in the Champions Trophy final, Ponting highlights the unfinished business that may motivate the seasoned player to strive for more victories in major tournaments.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s cricketing landscape has also witnessed a transformation, with several players making significant leaps in the rankings following their impressive run to the Champions Trophy final. Captain Mitchell Santner’s standout performances have propelled him to the second position in the ODI bowlers’ rankings, showcasing his prowess on the international stage. Santner’s remarkable economy rate of 4.80 and nine wickets in the tournament have solidified his position as a formidable force in the bowling department.
Moreover, Santner’s all-round abilities have not gone unnoticed, as he secures the fourth spot in the ODI allrounders’ rankings. Michael Bracewell, another key player for New Zealand, has earned the seventh spot after his stellar performance in the final match, where he contributed significantly with both bat and ball.
Rachin Ravindra, the highest run-scorer of the competition, has also seen a substantial rise in the rankings, moving up 14 places to claim the 14th position in the ODI batters rankings. Additionally, Ravindra has broken into the top ten of the allrounders’ rankings, securing the eighth spot with his impressive all-round display throughout the Champions Trophy.
As the cricketing world witnesses these dynamic shifts in the ICC ODI rankings, it is evident that the sport continues to evolve, with emerging talents and seasoned players making their mark on the global stage. The upcoming clashes between top cricketing nations promise to deliver thrilling encounters, as teams strive to maintain their positions and ascend to new heights in the world of international cricket.
