Rohit Sharma makes entry to the top 5 in ICC ODI batting rankings

India captain Virat Kohli leads the ODI batting chart.

Rohit Sharma recorded his third ODI double ton in Mohali last week | AP

India’s opening batsman Rohit Sharma has jumped up two places to attain the fifth position in the latest released ICC ODI rankings for batsmen. The elegant right-hander finished the just concluded three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka as the leading getter, with the Men in Blue securing it by 2-1.

Rohit’s 217 runs in 3 innings, including a record-extending double ton in Mohali, played a significant role in India’s comeback after facing a demoralizing ODI series opener loss in Dharamsala. After the monumental third double ton during the third ODI in Mohali, Rohit attained a career-high rankings-point tally of 825 – his highest in 174 ODIs thus far. However, he finished the series with 816 rating points.

Rohit’s utmost ODI batting ranking though has been third, which he grabbed in February 2016 after a stellar series Down Under. Besides Rohit, India skipper Virat Kohli stays at the pinnacle of ICC ODI batting rankings with a staggering 876 rating points while Proteas batting maverick AB de Villiers and Australia’s opening batsman David Warner are placed at number 2 and 3 position with 872 and 865 points respectively.

Rohit’s opening partner Shikhar Dhawan, who was adjudged Man of the Series for his 168 runs in 3 ODIs against Sri Lanka, has moved up one place to reach 14th position while former India skipper MS Dhoni is at number 11.

As far as the ODI bowling list is concerned – Pakistani fast bowling sensation Hasan Ali is leading the pack with 759 rating points whereas South Africa leg-spinner Imran Tahir (743) and India pacer Jasprit Bumrah (729) are slotted at number 2 and 3 spots respectively. The pace quartet of Josh Hazlewood (4), Kagiso Rabada (5), Mitchell Starc (6) and Trent Boult (7) are also there in top 10.

The Men in Blue had the chance to get back to the No. 1 spot if they would have won the series 3-nil against Sri Lanka, but Sri Lanka’s spirited performance in the first ODI at Dharamsala meant that South Africa’s position at the top remains secured. Currently, South Africa boast of 121 points to India’s 119. The teams will meet in a six-match series in South Africa early next year.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 18 Dec, 2017

    Share Via