Virat Kohli back up to no. 1 ODI ranking as ICC corrects career record

By SABC Sport
17th January 2026

Virat Kohli has reclaimed the no. 1 position in the ICC ODI batting rankings, marking a significant milestone in a resurgence that has gathered momentum over recent months.

The 37-year-old returns to the summit for the first time since July 2021, securing his 11th stint as the top-ranked ODI batter, with his first spell at No. 1 dating back to October 2013.

Kohli's rise was underpinned by a composed 93 off 91 balls against New Zealand in Vadodara, an innings that guided India to a four-wicket victory.

He has been in excellent form throughout the series, continuing a run that has seen him post five 50-plus scores in his last six international matches.

Since the Australia series, his returns have included scores of 74, 135, 102 and 65, alongside centuries against South Africa and in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The consistency has been widely described as a resurgence, much to the delight of supporters in Pune and beyond.

The ranking update, however, was not without controversy. The ICC issued a correction after fans highlighted a miscalculation in Kohli's career statistics on social media.

Initial graphics claimed he had spent 825 days at No. 1, placing him 10th on the all-time list. Following backlash, the ICC deleted the post and revised its statement, confirming the correct figure of 1,547 days.

That total now ranks Kohli third all-time, behind only Vivian Richards (2,306 days) and Brian Lara (2,079), and makes him the highest-ranked Indian in this category.