Jobaaj Stories
Babar Azam Dethroned: Shubman Gill's Rise to No. 1 in ODI Rankings
In a stunning upset, India's Shubman Gill has overtaken Pakistan's Babar Azam to claim the top spot in the ICC Men's ODI batting rankings. This marks a significant shift in the cricketing world, ending Babar Azam's four-year reign at the pinnacle of ODI batting. The latest rankings, released on February 19th, 2025, just before the start of the Champions Trophy, have sent ripples through the cricketing community.
Gill's Stellar Performance Fuels the Ascent
Gill's meteoric rise is largely attributed to his exceptional performance in the recent three-match ODI series against England. His scores of 87, 60, and a magnificent century (112) in Ahmedabad propelled him to the top. He amassed a total of 259 runs at an impressive average of 86.33 and a strike rate of 103, showcasing both his consistency and aggressive batting style. This remarkable series win for India (3-0) solidified Gill's position as a leading batsman in the world.
Babar Azam's Reign Ends, But Not His Prowess
While Babar Azam has relinquished the No. 1 spot, dropping to second place with 773 rating points (23 points behind Gill’s 796), his exceptional career remains undeniable. He's still considered one of the best batsmen in the world and will undoubtedly be aiming to reclaim his position. The close competition between Gill and Babar adds an exciting dimension to the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Other Notable Ranking Changes
The recent rankings update wasn't limited to just the top two spots. Several other players experienced significant shifts:
- Rohit Sharma remains firmly in third place.
- Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa) and Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) round out the top five.
- Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) climbed six spots to 15th, a career-high ranking.
- Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka) sensationally claimed the No. 1 spot in the ODI bowling rankings, surpassing Rashid Khan (Afghanistan).
- Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan) continues his dominance in the all-rounder rankings.
Theekshana's Bowling Dominance
Theekshana's ascent to the top of the ODI bowling rankings is a testament to his recent performances. His impressive four-wicket haul against Australia, was pivotal in securing Sri Lanka's series victory, even though they won't be participating in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Looking Ahead to the Champions Trophy
The updated rankings add considerable intrigue to the upcoming Champions Trophy. With Gill and Babar vying for the top batting spot, and Theekshana aiming to maintain his dominance in bowling, the tournament promises intense competition among the world's elite cricketers. The battle for supremacy is far from over, and the Champions Trophy will provide the perfect stage for these players to showcase their skills.
Conclusion
Shubman Gill's rise to the top of the ODI batting rankings is a significant achievement, ending Babar Azam's impressive reign. The close competition between these two batsmen, alongside other ranking shifts, sets the stage for an electrifying Champions Trophy. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling cricketing landscape!
