💡

Key Takeaways

1🏆 Daryl Mitchell has claimed the No.1 ICC ODI batting ranking with 845 points, surpassing Virat Kohli by 50 points
2💯 Mitchell scored 352 runs in the series including two centuries (131* and 137), both at strike rates exceeding 100
3📊 His 352-run series aggregate is New Zealand's highest ever in a three-match ODI rubber and third-highest all-time
4🎯 Mitchell became the fourth-fastest player to reach nine ODI centuries, achieving the milestone in just 54 innings
5🤝 Glenn Phillips' 106 off 88 balls and their 219-run partnership proved decisive in New Zealand's historic series win in India
6📈 Phillips jumped 16 places in the rankings from 36th to 20th following his match-winning century

"Daryl Mitchell has opened up a large gap with second-placed Virat Kohli after scoring 352 runs, including two centuries, in the ODI series against India"

Daryl Mitchell Dethrones Virat Kohli: New Zealand Star Claims No.1 ODI Batting Ranking After Historic India Series

In a remarkable display of batting prowess, New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell has ascended to the pinnacle of the ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings, dethroning Indian superstar Virat Kohli after a sensational series performance in India.

The Kiwi middle-order maestro's extraordinary run-scoring spree has not only propelled him to the top spot but also played a pivotal role in securing New Zealand's first ODI series victory on Indian soil—a historic achievement that will be remembered for years to come.

A Series to Remember: Mitchell's Dominant Display

Mitchell's performances across the three-match series were nothing short of spectacular. After the opening encounter, the right-hander unleashed his full potential with back-to-back centuries that left the Indian bowling attack searching for answers.

In the second ODI, Mitchell remained unbeaten on 131, striking at over 100 to anchor New Zealand's innings with authority. He followed this up with an even more impressive 137 in the series decider, once again maintaining a strike rate exceeding 100—a testament to his ability to combine aggression with consistency at the highest level.

The Numbers That Tell the Story

Mitchell's series aggregate of 352 runs stands as a monumental achievement:

Highest ever for New Zealand in a three-match ODI series
Third-highest of all time, behind only Babar Azam (360 vs West Indies, 2016) and Shubman Gill (360 vs New Zealand, 2023)
Ninth ODI century achieved in just 54 innings

The speed at which Mitchell has reached nine ODI centuries is particularly noteworthy. He becomes only the fourth-fastest player to this landmark, trailing only Imam-ul-Haq (48 innings), Hashim Amla (52 innings), and Quinton de Kock (53 innings).

Rankings Shake-Up: From Challenger to Champion

The shift in rankings has been dramatic. Just one week prior, Kohli had climbed past Rohit Sharma to claim the top position with 785 rating points, with Mitchell breathing down his neck at 784 points.

However, Mitchell's twin centuries have completely transformed the landscape. The New Zealander now commands a substantial lead with 845 rating points, while Kohli sits at 795—a gap of 50 points that underscores the magnitude of Mitchell's recent performances.

Current Top 5 ODI Batting Rankings

Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) - 845 points
Virat Kohli (India) - 795 points
Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan) - 764 points
Rohit Sharma (India) - 757 points
Shubman Gill (India) - 723 points

This marks Mitchell's second stint at the top of the ODI batting charts. His previous reign lasted just three days in November 2025 before Rohit reclaimed the position. This time, with a commanding lead, Mitchell appears set for a longer stay at the summit.

Glenn Phillips: The Perfect Partner in Crime

Mitchell wasn't alone in his brilliance during the series decider. Glenn Phillips delivered a sensational knock of 106 off just 88 balls, forming a match-defining 219-run partnership with Mitchell for the fourth wicket.

This devastating stand ultimately set up New Zealand's 41-run victory in the third ODI, sealing the series. Phillips' heroics have been rewarded in the rankings, with the hard-hitting all-rounder surging from 36th to 20th position—a jump of 16 places.

Kohli's Series: A Tale of Contrasts

Despite losing the top ranking, Virat Kohli's series wasn't without its highlights. The Indian batting icon scored 93, 23, and 124 across the three matches, with his century in the final ODI showcasing his enduring class.

However, it was the below-par 23 in the second ODI that proved costly in the rankings battle, allowing Mitchell to capitalize and surge ahead.

What This Means for World Cricket

New Zealand's series triumph in India represents a significant statement ahead of major ICC events. Mitchell's form, combined with the supporting cast featuring the likes of Phillips, suggests the Black Caps possess a potent batting lineup capable of challenging any opposition.

For India, despite the series defeat and Kohli's slip in rankings, there remains plenty of firepower. With Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill all featuring in the top five, Indian batting remains a formidable force in world cricket.

Looking Ahead

Daryl Mitchell's rise to the number one position serves as validation for his consistent performances over the past year. The challenge now lies in maintaining this lofty position, something that has proven difficult given the intense competition at the top of the rankings.

As the ODI format continues to hold significance in the lead-up to the 2027 Cricket World Cup, performances like Mitchell's will be crucial in determining team compositions and strategies. For now, the New Zealand batter can bask in the glory of being the world's best ODI player—a title earned through runs, centuries, and series-winning performances on the grandest stage.