Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has been surpassed by New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell in the latest ICC ODI batting rankings following an impressive series performance. This marks a significant achievement for Mitchell, as the New Zealand team clinched their first ODI series victory on Indian soil in 37 years, defeating India 2-1.
Mitchell showcased his talent by scoring two centuries during the series, bringing his total to 352 runs across the three matches. This remarkable total not only set a record for the most runs scored by a New Zealander in a three-match ODI series but also ranks as the third-highest total in ODI history, trailing behind Pakistan’s Babar Azam and India’s Shubman Gill, both of whom also reached 360 runs in their respective series.
With 845 ranking points, Mitchell has taken over the top spot from Kohli, who now sits in second place with 795 points. The two players lead a competitive field that includes Ibrahim Zadran, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Babar Azam.
This is not the first time Mitchell has reached the No. 1 ranking; however, his previous stint lasted only three days last November before he was surpassed by Rohit Sharma. Notably, Mitchell has recorded four ODI centuries against India, making him only second to South Africa’s AB de Villiers, who achieved five centuries in matches held in India.
In addition to individual performances, Mitchell has established an impressive streak, having never recorded an ODI duck in his 54 innings, ranking him second all-time for the longest such streak, with only Kepler Wessels boasting a longer record.
Other notable movements in the rankings include Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran moving into third place, swapping positions with India’s Rohit Sharma. Glenn Phillips, who played a vital role in sealing the series win with a partnership of 219 runs alongside Mitchell, also saw a significant rise in the rankings, climbing to 20th place.
In the bowling category, New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell experienced the most improvement, moving up six spots to 33rd. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan remains the frontrunner in ODI bowling rankings, also climbing to second in T20I bowlers’ rankings following a recent match against the West Indies.
Overall, the series showcased not only individual brilliance but also the resilience and skill of the New Zealand team, marking a new chapter in their ODI history against India.