Virat Kohli has once again proved why he is regarded as one of the greatest batters in modern cricket. After spending more than four years away from the top, the Indian star has reclaimed the No.1 position in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings. His consistent and match-winning performances against South Africa and New Zealand helped him climb back to the summit with 785 rating points. This comeback is special because it comes after a tough phase in his career, making the achievement even more inspiring for fans. At 37, Kohli has shown that experience, discipline, and hunger can still dominate world cricket.
Virat Kohli Reclaims No.1 Spot in ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings
Virat Kohli has returned to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings in the latest update released in January 2026. The Indian batter gained two places to reach No.1, collecting a total of 785 rating points. This marks his first time at the top of the ODI rankings since around 2021, ending a long wait for his fans.
Kohli’s rise comes after a strong run of form in recent bilateral series, where he delivered crucial innings under pressure. His ability to score runs consistently in challenging conditions played a major role in boosting his ranking.
How Virat Kohli Overtook Rohit Sharma and Daryl Mitchell
Kohli moved ahead of New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell by just one point, showing how tight the competition is at the top. Mitchell slipped to second place with 784 points, while Indian captain Rohit Sharma dropped to third with 775 points. Rohit’s dip in ranking does not reflect poor form but highlights how small margins can change positions quickly in the ICC ranking system. Kohli’s recent scores carried more weight as some of his earlier low scores dropped out of the calculation.
Latest ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings – January 2026
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Virat Kohli’s ODI Career: Key Stats and Milestone
Since making his ODI debut in 2008, Virat Kohli has scored over 13,000 runs at an average close to 58. He holds the record for the most ODI centuries with 50 hundreds to his name. Kohli is especially known for his chasing ability, with a success rate of nearly 70 percent while batting second. His performances in ICC tournaments and World Cups have cemented his reputation as one of the greatest ODI batters of all time.
Fans Reaction After Virat Kohli Reclaims No.1 ODI Ranking
Kohli’s return to the top triggered massive celebrations on social media. Fans flooded platforms with messages like “King Kohli is back” and shared clips of his best shots. Search trends showed a sharp rise in queries related to Kohli, while Instagram reels and short videos crossed millions of views. From big cities to small towns, his influence continues to inspire young cricketers.
What’s Next for Virat Kohli After Regaining No.1 Ranking
With major events like the Champions Trophy approaching, Kohli will aim to defend his top ranking. Strong competition from players like Daryl Mitchell means consistency will be key. The ongoing New Zealand series will test whether Kohli can maintain his form and hold on to the No.1 spot in this closely contested race.
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Fitness, Technique, and Mental Strength Behind Kohli’s Comeback
Kohli’s comeback is also a result of his dedication to fitness and mental strength. After struggling earlier, he refined his technique against seam bowling and focused on playing late. His gym sessions, yoga routines, and mental visualization exercises have helped him stay sharp at 37. Kohli also mentors young players, with Shubman Gill crediting his advice for helping improve his own game.
