### Virat Kohli's Ascent in ICC ODI Rankings: A Battle for the Top Spot Virat Kohli has made significant strides in the ICC ODI batting rankings, moving up to the No. 2 position, just eight points behind his teammate Rohit Sharma, who retains the top spot. This shift comes on the heels of Kohli's outstanding performance in the recent ODI series against South Africa, where he scored a remarkable 302 runs across three matches, including two centuries and a half-century. His resurgence in form has reignited discussions about his potential to reclaim the No. 1 ranking, a position he last held in March 2021. The competitive dynamic between Kohli and Sharma highlights the ongoing rivalry and excellence of these two cricketing legends as they approach the twilight of their careers. ### Breakdown of Kohli's Recent Performance and Ranking Dynamics 1. **Recent Series Performance**: - Kohli's scores in the ODI series against South Africa were 135, 102, and 65 not out, leading to a Player of the Series award [https://telanganatoday.com/kohli-moves-up-in-icc-rankings-grabs-second-place-in-batsmens-list-behind-rohit-sharma]. - His total of 302 runs in three matches reflects an impressive average of 151 and a strike rate of 117.05 [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/virat_kohli_climbs_to_no_2_in_icc_odi_rankings_as_rohit_sharma_stays_no_1/s1_17726_43184843]. 2. **Ranking Changes**: - Kohli's rise to No. 2 in the ICC ODI rankings is a two-spot jump, pushing Daryl Mitchell and Ibrahim Zadran down to third and fourth, respectively [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/virat_kohli_climbs_to_no_2_in_icc_odi_rankings_as_rohit_sharma_stays_no_1/s1_17726_43184843]. - As of December 10, 2025, Rohit Sharma holds 781 rating points, while Kohli has 773, indicating a tight race for the top position [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/virat_kohli_climbs_to_no_2_in_icc_odi_rankings_as_rohit_sharma_stays_no_1/s1_17726_43184843]. 3. **Historical Context**: - Kohli last held the No. 1 ranking in March 2021, before being surpassed by Babar Azam [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/virat_kohli_climbs_to_no_2_in_icc_odi_rankings_as_rohit_sharma_stays_no_1/s1_17726_43184843]. - The ongoing rivalry between Kohli and Sharma is underscored by their consistent performances, with both players having significant contributions in the recent series against South Africa [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/virat_kohli_climbs_to_no_2_in_icc_odi_rankings_as_rohit_sharma_stays_no_1/s1_17726_43184843]. ### Supporting Evidence of Kohli's Performance and Ranking - **ODI Series Against South Africa**: - Kohli's scores: 135, 102, 65* (total: 302 runs) [https://www.mid-day.com/amp/sports/cricket/article/icc-odi-rankings-virat-kohli-rises-to-no-2-rohit-sharma-holds-top-spot-23607226]. - Average: 151, Strike Rate: 117.05 [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/virat_kohli_climbs_to_no_2_in_icc_odi_rankings_as_rohit_sharma_stays_no_1/s1_17726_43184843]. - **Current ICC ODI Rankings**: - Rohit Sharma: 781 points (No. 1) - Virat Kohli: 773 points (No. 2) - Daryl Mitchell: 750 points (No. 3) - Ibrahim Zadran: 740 points (No. 4) [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/virat_kohli_climbs_to_no_2_in_icc_odi_rankings_as_rohit_sharma_stays_no_1/s1_17726_43184843]. ### Conclusion: The Race for the No. 1 ODI Batter In summary, **Virat Kohli's recent performances have positioned him as a strong contender to reclaim the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings**, currently held by Rohit Sharma. The competitive spirit between these two cricketing icons is palpable, with Kohli's exceptional form in the series against South Africa serving as a reminder of his capabilities. 1. Kohli's rise to No. 2 is a testament to his skill and determination. 2. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining if he can surpass Sharma. 3. Both players continue to defy age and expectations, contributing significantly to Indian cricket. As the cricketing world watches closely, the next ICC rankings update will be pivotal in this ongoing rivalry [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/virat_kohli_climbs_to_no_2_in_icc_odi_rankings_as_rohit_sharma_stays_no_1/s1_17726_43184843].