Virat Kohli is making a strong push to reclaim the top spot for ODI batters, and he just got a boost by moving up to second place in the latest ICC rankings released on Wednesday (December 10, 2025).

Kohli hasn’t been at No.1 since he was overtaken by Pakistan’s Babar Azam back in April 2021.

However, the right-hander is getting closer to the top position thanks to his fantastic recent performances for India in the three-match ODI series against South Africa.

ICC ODI Ranking Position

The 37-year-old was named Player of the Series after scoring 302 runs over the three matches, which helped him rise two spots to second overall, just behind his teammate Rohit Sharma.

Rohit scored 146 runs during the series, maintaining his lead at the top of the rankings.

Kohli is now just eight rating points away, thanks to his unbeaten 65 runs in the series finale in Visakhapatnam.

This performance helped India secure the series 2-1.

India’s ODI captain Shubman Gill held onto his fifth position even after missing the three-match series.

KL Rahul, stepping in as captain, climbed two spots to 12th overall after scoring two fifties in the series.

Kuldeep ranks third among bowlers
Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav jumped three places to take the third spot in the bowlers’ rankings.

From South Africa, the trio of Quinton de Kock (up three spots to 13th), Aiden Markram (up four spots to 25th), and Temba Bavuma (up three spots to 37th) also improved their standings in the ODI batter rankings.

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