New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell has overtaken Virat Kohli to secure the No.1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings, marking a significant milestone in his career. With a remarkable 845 rating points, Mitchell’s rise comes after his sensational performance during New Zealand’s historic series win against India. The three-match series, which concluded on Sunday, saw Mitchell amass 352 runs, including three centuries, playing a key role in NZ’s first ODI series win on Indian soil since 1988.
For cricket enthusiasts and fans of the 50-over format, this development signals a shifting balance in world cricket. Mitchell’s climb to the top has not only altered the rankings but also highlighted the growing competition at the summit of ODI batting, with the likes of Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and others closely contesting the top spots.
A Historic Series: New Zealand's First Win in India Since 1988
New Zealand's triumph over India in the recent ODI series marks their first victory in India in 41 years. With Mitchell leading the charge, NZ clinched the series 2-1, thanks to stellar performances in critical moments.
In the first match, Mitchell scored 84 runs, but it was his unbeaten 131* in the second game that leveled the series 1-1. The third and decisive game in Indore saw Mitchell score 137 runs, helping New Zealand reach a formidable total of 337/8. NZ won by 41 runs, with contributions from Glenn Phillips (106) and a strong partnership with Mitchell.
Despite India’s best efforts, including Virat Kohli’s 124 runs in the final game, India fell short, and New Zealand made history.
Daryl Mitchell’s Remarkable Performance in the Series
Mitchell's series performance was extraordinary, showcasing his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. With 352 runs in total, including three centuries (84, 131*, and 137), Mitchell became the third-fastest player to score three centuries in a three-match series, an achievement that ranks highly in ODI cricket history.
His four centuries against India in just 11 ODIs is a remarkable feat, placing him among the best when it comes to scoring big against a formidable team. This performance not only propelled Mitchell to the top of the rankings but also solidified his reputation as one of the finest contemporary ODI batters.
Virat Kohli’s Slip to No.2 in ICC ODI Rankings
For Virat Kohli, the drop from No.1 to No.2 is a setback after a seven-day reign at the top. Despite Kohli's impressive 124 in the series decider, it wasn’t enough to retain his position. Mitchell's dominance throughout the series earned him a 50-point surge in the rankings, pushing him comfortably ahead of Kohli, who now has 795 points.
Kohli's 124-run knock in the final game was a brilliant display of batting, but it couldn’t prevent India from losing the series, nor was it enough to maintain his top spot. Nevertheless, Kohli’s consistency over the years and his record-breaking 50+ ODI centuries make him a strong contender for the No.1 position in the future.
Rohit Sharma and the Impact on the ODI Rankings
Following New Zealand's series victory, Rohit Sharma has dropped to third in the rankings. Rohit, who had previously been in the second spot, now finds himself trailing both Mitchell and Kohli. This shift in rankings further adds to the competitiveness of the ODI format, with each match potentially altering the rankings' top spots.
As we move closer to the IPL and the ICC Champions Trophy, the battle for the top three spots in ODI rankings will intensify. Players like Mitchell, Kohli, and Rohit will all be looking to maintain their form and hold on to their positions.
Mitchell’s Consistency and No-Duck Streak
In addition to his ranking rise, Mitchell’s consistency at the crease has been exceptional. He now holds a 54-match no-duck streak, which is the second-longest in ODI history, only behind Kepler Wessels (105 innings). This impressive feat highlights Mitchell's ability to stay at the crease and build partnerships, making him one of the most dependable batters in modern-day ODI cricket.
His no-duck record is a testament to his mental resilience, a key characteristic that has been central to his success in high-pressure situations, especially in matches against top-tier teams like India.
Final Thought
As Mitchell enjoys his moment at the top, the road ahead is filled with challenges. With the ICC Champions Trophy and upcoming bilateral series, the rankings will be continually updated, and players like Mitchell, Kohli, and Rohit will be striving to maintain or regain their positions.
Mitchell’s form will be crucial for New Zealand as they look to solidify their place in global cricket. For Kohli, a return to the No.1 position is certainly within reach, and with the IPL just around the corner, all eyes will be on how these players perform in the coming months.
