Shubman Gill becomes World's Number 1 Ranked ODI Batter

In a remarkable turn of events, Shubman Gill from India has dethroned Babar Azam of Pakistan to become the new No.1 ODI batter in the world. This achievement places Gill in an elite group of Indian cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. The International Cricket Council (ICC) released the latest men's batting rankings on Wednesday, and Gill's solid performance in the ongoing World Cup 2023 propelled him to the top spot.

Gill's Stellar Rise

Shubman Gill has been consistently performing at a high level, and his recent scores of 92 against Sri Lanka and 23 against South Africa have further cemented his position at the top. Despite missing the first two matches of the tournament due to dengue infection, Gill has accumulated an impressive total of 219 runs from six innings. This remarkable feat has finally allowed him to surpass Babar Azam, who has amassed 282 runs from eight knocks at the World Cup.

With a rating point of 830, Gill currently enjoys a narrow lead over Babar (824). South Africa's Quinton de Kock follows closely behind with a rating of 771. Gill's ascension to the top of the rankings is a testament to his exceptional skills and form, which have made him a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.

 

 

Joining the Elite Club

Shubman Gill's achievement of becoming the No.1 ODI batter places him in an esteemed club of Indian cricket legends. Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli are the only other Indian players to have held this prestigious title. Gill's entry into this elite group is a testament to his immense talent and dedication to the sport.

 

 

Kohli's Stellar Performance

While Gill's rise to the top was the headline news, another Indian cricketer made significant strides in the rankings. The legendary batter, Virat Kohli, broke into the top five after a stellar performance in the World Cup. Kohli's outstanding display earned him a fourth-place ranking, just one rating point behind Quinton de Kock.

Kohli's exceptional batting skills were on full display during the World Cup, where he amassed a staggering 543 runs. This remarkable achievement propelled him up the rankings and solidified his position among the world's top cricketers.

Siraj Claims Top Spot Among Bowlers

It wasn't just the batting rankings that saw an Indian player rise to the top. Mohammed Siraj, with his impressive performance of taking 10 wickets at the World Cup, claimed the No.1 spot among ODI bowlers. Siraj's consistent and skillful bowling has made him a formidable force in the tournament.

India's dominance in both batting and bowling is evident from the major shake-up in the top 10 rankings. Several Indian players, including Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami, have made their way into the top 10 bowlers' list. This success is a testament to the depth of talent in Indian cricket and the team's stellar performance at the World Cup.

 

 

Notable Movers and Shakers

Apart from Gill and Kohli, there were other notable advancements in the rankings. Shreyas Iyer made an impressive jump of 17 places, securing the 18th position among ODI batters. Fakhar Zaman from Pakistan also made significant progress, moving up three spots to 11th place, while Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran climbed six spots to secure the 12th position.

In the bowlers' rankings, South Africa's Keshav Maharaj made a substantial leap of two spots to secure the second position. Australia's Adam Zampa also climbed six places to claim the third spot. However, last week's No.1 ranked bowler, Shaheen Afridi, dropped four places and now shares the fifth position with Josh Hazlewood.

 

The Changing Landscape

The World Cup has brought about a significant transformation in the ODI rankings. The outstanding performances by Indian cricketers have reshaped the top 10 list, showcasing the team's dominance in the tournament. The success of players like Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Siraj highlights India's strong cricketing talent and their ability to perform under pressure.

Conclusion

As the World Cup progresses, it will be interesting to see how the rankings continue to evolve. With fierce competition among the top cricketers, the battle for the No.1 spot will undoubtedly intensify. For now, Shubman Gill can relish in the glory of becoming the new No.1 ODI batter and further solidifying India's cricketing legacy.