In a surprising move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) removed two of India’s biggest cricket stars, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, from the latest ODI rankings on Wednesday. This unusual step has led to rumours that both players might be retiring from the 50 over format soon.
Rohit Sharma The last time Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli lined up alongside each other in an ODI was in February 2025, against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final.”and Virat kohli last appeared as a pair in an ODI in February 2025, facing New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final.
Their Rankings Before Removal
Before being removed, Rohit Sharma was ranked second among ODI batters, just behind Shubman Gill, while Virat Kohli was in fourth place. Both players have had an amazing career, leading India to many victories. After achieving success in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli closed their T20I careers. Later, they also announced their retirement from Test cricket after a tough tour of Australia in the 2024, 25 Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Impact on ODI Rankings
Even though Rohit and Virat were in the top five of the ICC ODI rankings until Tuesday, they no longer appear in the top 100 of the ODI batters’ list. This confirms their complete removal from the rankings. After their exit, Shubman Gill continues to hold the number one spot, showing his consistency and talent. Babar Azam has climbed to the second spot, even as New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell and Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka are positioned at third and fourth places, respectively.
Other Players Benefiting
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping aside has gave a chance for new players to make it into the top 10. Kusal Mendis from Sri Lanka and Travis Head from Australia have returned to the list, filling the gaps left by the Indian stars.This change shows how cricket is always moving, and new players are ready to make their mark on the game.
Retirement Rumours
Post the 2025 ICC Cham Trophy, the duo both and all Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli confirmed and assured they look to to play for India country until the 2027 CWC. However, their recent Test retirement has fueled rumours that they might end their international careers by the end of 2025. The latest ICC rankings support this idea, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
No Official Announcement Yet
It’s worth mentioning that no one Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, not the BCCI has made any official statement about ODI retirement. The ICC also has not explained why they were removed from the rankings. Fans will have to wait for more information before knowing the real reason behind this surprising decision.
Currently Top ICC ODI Batters Rankings (Men)
The latest ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings showcase the top performers in international cricket. Leading the list is Shubman Gill from India with a rating of 784, followed by Babar Azam of Pakistan at 739.”Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) occupies at third with 720 points,”Holding 719 points, Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) is fourth, and Harry Tector (Ireland) ranks in fifth with 708 points.”
For India, Shreyas sits at sixth with 704 points, and KL Rahul sits in 13th with 638 points.”Other leading players in the rankings are Shai Hope from the West Indies at 699 points, Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran at 676, Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis with 669, and Australia’s Travis Head at 648.The list also includes Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa) 642, Keacy Carty from (West Indies) is on 642, Quinton de Kock (South Africa) at 634, and England’s Ben Duckett at 626.”
Final Words
For now, cricket fans can only watch and wait. Whether it’s retirement or just a ranking update, Rohit and Virat remain legends of the game.”Rising stars such as Shubman Gill, Babar Azam, and Daryl Mitchell are geared up to rise and uphold India’s proud cricketing heritage.