Daryl Mitchell: In a stunning development that has reshaped the landscape of international cricket, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell has achieved a career-defining milestone by overtaking Indian maestro Virat Kohli to claim the coveted No.1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings. This historic accomplishment marks the first time Mitchell has reached the summit of ODI batting, powered by his exceptional performances against India in their recent bilateral series.
Daryl Mitchell Record-Breaking Ascent
Mitchell has surged to the top with an impressive rating of 845 points, establishing a commanding 50-point lead over Kohli, who now sits at No.2 with 795 rating points. This remarkable achievement comes on the back of Mitchell’s sensational form during the three-match ODI series against India, where he accumulated 352 runs, including two magnificent centuries that earned him both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honors.
The Kiwi all-rounder’s career statistics in ODI cricket paint the picture of consistency and excellence. Across 59 matches, Mitchell has amassed 2,690 runs at an outstanding average of 58.47, with 9 centuries to his name. His recent series performance has propelled him to third place on the all-time list for most runs scored in a three-match bilateral ODI series.
Top 10 ODI ICC Batting Rankings
| Rank | Player | Country | Rating Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | 845 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | India | 795 |
| 3 | Ibrahim Zadran | Afghanistan | – |
| 4 | Rohit Sharma | India | 757 |
| 5 | Shubman Gill | India | – |
| 6 | Babar Azam | Pakistan | – |
| 7 | Harry Tector | Ireland | – |
| 8 | Shai Hope | West Indies | – |
| 9 | Charith Asalanka | Sri Lanka | – |
| 10 | KL Rahul | India | – |
India’s Rankings Reshuffle
The latest rankings update has brought mixed fortunes for Indian batters. While Kohli maintains a strong No.2 position, captain Rohit Sharma has slipped one place to No.4 with 757 rating points. However, India continues to dominate the top 10 with four representatives, including Shubman Gill at No.5 and KL Rahul rounding out the elite group at No.10.
Historic Context: Elite Company in Three-Match Series
Mitchell’s 352-run haul places him among an exclusive group of batsmen who have dominated three-match bilateral ODI series. Here’s how the all-time list stands:
Most Runs in 3-Match Bilateral ODI Series:
- 360 runs – Babar Azam vs West Indies (2016)
- 360 runs – Shubman Gill vs New Zealand (2023)
- 352 runs – Daryl Mitchell vs India (2026)
- 349 runs – Imrul Kayes vs Zimbabwe (2028)
- 346 runs – Pathum Nissanka vs Afghanistan (2024)
Mitchell’s ascension to the No.1 ranking represents more than just a personal achievement—it highlights New Zealand’s continued production of world-class batting talent and underscores the competitive nature of modern ODI cricket. His ability to perform under pressure against one of cricket’s powerhouses has validated his place among the game’s elite.
For Kohli, this represents the first time in recent memory that he has relinquished the top spot, though with his proven track record of responding to challenges, cricket fans worldwide will be eagerly anticipating his return to form in upcoming series.
As the ODI format continues to evolve with the next ICC Cricket World Cup on the horizon, Mitchell’s rise to No.1 adds another compelling storyline to international cricket’s ever-changing narrative. His combination of technique, temperament, and big-match temperament positions him as a key player to watch in the coming months.
The rankings update serves as a reminder that in cricket, consistency and performance in crucial series can rapidly transform a player’s standing in the global pecking order—and Daryl Mitchell has proven he belongs at the very top.
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