Rohit Sharma has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC ODI Batting Rankings, regaining the ratings lead just before the crucial ODI series against South Africa. This achievement comes as India prepares to face South Africa in a three-match ODI series, with the first match to be played in Ranchi.
Sharma's ascent to the top was aided by Daryl Mitchell's absence in the final two ODIs against the West Indies, which cost him crucial rating points. Sharma now holds 781 rating points, closely followed by Mitchell with 766 points.
The Indian team has a strong presence in the top five, with Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli occupying the fourth and fifth positions, respectively. However, Shreyas Iyer has dropped to ninth position in the latest rankings.
Sharma's return to the top spot is a significant boost for the Indian team, especially ahead of the ODI series against South Africa. The series is considered important as India prepares for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, which will be hosted in South Africa.
Sharma has been in good form, demonstrating improvement during the series in Australia in October, including a century in the final ODI in Sydney.
India will be without Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer for the series against South Africa. Gill is recovering from a neck spasm, while Iyer is out due to a spleen laceration.
The updated ICC ODI Batting Rankings as of November 26, 2025, show the following top five:
- Rohit Sharma (781 points)
- Daryl Mitchell (766 points)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
The series against South Africa will be a good opportunity for Sharma to solidify his position at the top of the rankings and lead India to a series win.
In other ranking updates, Sikandar Raza has been crowned the world's No.1 T20I all-rounder. Australia's Mitchell Starc has climbed to fifth position among Test bowlers. New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra has moved up one place to 12th, while Devon Conway has climbed to 31st among ODI batters.
Rohit Sharma has also been named the tournament ambassador for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
