Introduction
Rohit Sharma, the Indian ODI captain, has made significant strides in the ODI men’s batting rankings. He now stands second, closely trailing Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam. This article delves into Rohit’s journey, his recent performance, and the impact on the rankings of other top players.
Rohit Sharma’s Ascend
Performance in Recent Series
Despite India’s recent 2-0 ODI series loss to Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma emerged as the highest run-scorer. He amassed 157 runs at an impressive strike rate of 141.44, which included two fifties. This performance has catapulted him to the second spot in the rankings.
Comparison with Other Indian Batters
Following Rohit Sharma in the rankings are his Indian teammates Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, who occupy the third and fourth positions, respectively. The gap between these three Indian batsmen is minimal, with just 19 rating points separating them.
Babar Azam’s Dominance
Consistency at the Top
Babar Azam continues to dominate the ODI batting rankings. His consistent performance keeps him ahead of the pack. However, with Rohit Sharma’s recent form, the competition for the top spot is heating up.
Upcoming Challenges
Babar faces new challenges not only from Rohit but also from Sri Lankan batsman Pathum Nissanka. Nissanka’s impressive performance in the series against India has seen him move up to the eighth spot in the rankings.
Other Notable Movements in the Rankings
Sri Lankan Players
Sri Lanka’s victory against India, their first since 1997, has significantly impacted the rankings. Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando have made notable gains. Mendis has moved up five spots to 39th, while Fernando has jumped 20 places to 68th.
Netherlands and USA Players
Max O’Dowd from the Netherlands and Monank Patel from the USA have also made significant progress. O’Dowd has moved up 10 places to 54th, and Patel has climbed 11 spots to 56th.
Bowlers on the Rise
There have been significant movements in the Indian ODI bowlers’ rankings as well. USA’s Nosthush Kenjige and Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage are among the notable movers. Kenjige has risen 10 places to 49th, while Wellalage has jumped 17 spots to 59th.
Test Player Rankings Update
South African Players
The recent draw between the West Indies and South Africa has led to changes in the Test player rankings. South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma has achieved a career-high rating, moving up two places to 16th. Opener Tony de Zorzi has also made a significant leap, gaining 29 places to 85th.
West Indian Players
From the West Indies, Jason Holder and Alick Athanaze have made notable progress. Holder has moved up three spots to 67th, while Athanaze has climbed 12 places to 76th.
South African and West Indian Bowlers
Among the bowlers, South African spinner Keshav Maharaj has been the standout performer. Maharaj claimed four wickets in each inning against the West Indies, earning him the Player of the Match honors and a rise of seven spots to 21st in the rankings. West Indian spinner Jomel Warrican has also made significant progress, moving up 12 spots to 54th.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s rise in the Indian ODI batting rankings highlights his exceptional form and determination. As he closes in on Babar Azam’s top spot, the competition at the highest level of cricket intensifies. With other players also making notable gains, the upcoming matches promise to be thrilling and closely contested. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
