5 players who can clinch No.1 ODI ranking from Virat Kohli

Rohit Sharma has seven 150 + scores to his name in ODI cricket!
Rohit Sharma has seven 150 + scores to his name in ODI cricket!

There's no denying the fact that Virat Kohli currently is the top-rated and ranked ODI batsman in the world today. His sheer brilliance with the bat already sees him being counted as one of the legends of the game already.

His records speak for themselves, even more so after a successful tour to England earlier this year, where he overcame his batting failures he faced there in 2014.

His hunger to score runs is second to none. The most important thing about Kohli is his acceptance of his failure and the will to make amends to minimize the loopholes in his batting.

In ODI cricket, Kohli is already one of the greatest batsmen of all time. His mind-boggling numbers in white-ball cricket often force cricket followers to talk about him in the same breath as the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar.

Kohli is currently ranked No.1 in the ICC ODI rankings for batsmen. Though he stands way ahead of his contemporaries in terms of his consistency and the ability to perform in crunch situations, still there are few who do pack a punch in the 50-over format.

Here's a look at some of those players who can clinch ICC No.1 ranking from Virat Kohli:


#5 Babar Azam

Azam is the No.1 ranked batsman in T20 cricket
Azam is the No.1 ranked batsman in T20 cricket

Pakistan's most consistent batsman and a regular in all three formats, Babar Azam is one of the best that the Men in Green have produced in recent times.

He is someone who is technically sound and has a game for all seasons. With an average of nearly 52 in ODI cricket, his career for Pakistan has already witnessed much success in such a short duration of time.

Babar also is a determined contender for breaking into the cliff of the ICC ODI rankings for batsmen. With a rank of 6 in the ODI rankings, Babar also boasts of some of the elusive records for an ODI player.

A player of his calibre can only ascend towards more glory in his career to be known as one of the all-time best ODI players for Pakistan.

#4 Kane Williamson

Williamson plays a huge role in binding the batting order for the Kiwis
Williamson plays a huge role in binding the batting order for the Kiwis

The cool and calm customer at the office, Williamson is one from the old school of batting. Arguably, Williamson is one of the finest batsman produced by the BlackCaps after Martin Crowe.

Being such an important player for the Kiwis, he is the backbone in their batting in all the three formats of the game. His ability to play the anchor's role every time he steps on the field for New Zealand is the key behind his prolonged consistency at the highest level.

An average of nearly 47 in ODI format, Williamson plays a huge role in binding the batting order for the Kiwis. His steady approach with others playing the aggressor's role around him holds the key for New Zealand.

Currently, the 28-year old is ranked 8th in the ICC rankings for the ODI batsmen. He has the required ability to crack it down the throat of the top three or even claim the No.1 spot held by Virat Kohli.

#3 Shikhar Dhawan

Image result for Dhawan ODI happy

Shikhar Dhawan is a gem of a player when it comes to batting against the white ball. He is an asset for any captain in the team to have him at the top of the order.

His improved records and consistency are gradually helping him to be counted as one of the finest ODI batsmen of the current lot. His love affair with the multi-nation tournaments and the ability to stay calm even under pressure is a hallmark of a batsman of his class.

Dhawan, also known as the 'Gabbar' in the Indian team has become an indispensable part of India's ODI setup. His opening pair with Rohit Sharma at the top of the order brings in success more often than not.

The left-hander's knack of scoring big runs in the best interests of the team does help his confidence ahead of any big game. Currently, Dhawan is the third Indian after Kohli and Rohit in the top 5 of the ICC ODI rankings for batsmen.

#2. Jonny Bairstow

He has been the major positive for the hosts of the forthcoming World Cup next year
He has been the major positive for the hosts of the forthcoming World Cup next year

One of England's most destructive player in recent times, Jonny Bairstow is one of the most improved cricketers for England in the white-ball format. He is a surely the flag-bearer for England at the top of the order, helping his side keep the killer instinct alive and kicking in the world cricket.

In recent past, Bairstow has evolved his games to suit the attacking style of batting. Many have argued that his developed approach has made it difficult for him to get going in the longer formats of the game.

However, the right-handed batsman has enjoyed every bit of his success in ODI cricket. England's Test wicket-keeper has been the major positive for the hosts of the forthcoming World Cup next year.

His recent flourish of form has encouraged him to stay put with his approach and back his instincts to continue playing the same way for England. Jonny, who is currently ranked tenth in the ODI rankings has the potential to rise ten places to overtake Kohli as the best ODI player.

#1 Rohit Sharma

The 30-year old is a decimator of the white-ball 
The 30-year old is a decimator of the white-ball

Commonly known as the Hit-man of Indian cricket, Sharma is almost an equally a great player in ODI cricket. His ability to notch up scores in excess of 100s is what makes him head and shoulders above the rest.

The Indian vice-captain is the only player with three double centuries in ODI format with most 150+ scores to his name.

Rohit's ability to shift gear at any moment is his hallmark to post huge individual scores. His game has every aspect that can see him as the best ODI batsman in the world. Currently, with him ranked as the No.2 batsman after Kohli, he is regarded as the relentless destroyer of the ball.

His batting has all the possible ingredients which could enable him to overtake Kohli in the near future. The 30-year old is a decimator of the white ball and is the next most suitable player to top the ICC list for the best batsman in ODIs.

Check RCB Squad 2024 Details. Follow Sportskeeda for IPL 2024 Live Score, Schedule, Points Table

Quick Links

Edited by Rupin Kale