A Crown Changes Hands: Shubman Gill's Stunning Ascent in ODI Rankings
Wow. Just wow. Shubman Gill is number one in the ODI batting rankings. Seriously. He knocked Babar Azam off his perch, ending a four-year reign that felt pretty unshakeable. The news dropped on February 19th, 2025, right before the Champions Trophy, and the cricketing world practically exploded. It's a huge deal.
Gill's Series Domination
So, what fueled this incredible rise? Gill's performance in that recent three-match ODI series against England was simply phenomenal. I mean, 87, 60, and then a stunning century (112) in Ahmedabad? That's not just good, that’s legendary. He raked in 259 runs, averaging a ridiculous 86.33 with a strike rate of 103. The guy's both consistent and aggressive – a deadly combination. And let's not forget, India swept the series 3-0. It was a complete domination.
Babar Azam: Still a King
Now, don't get me wrong, Babar Azam’s still an absolute legend. He slipped to second place, sure, with 773 rating points (23 behind Gill's 796), but that's nothing to be ashamed of. He's one of the greats, and this is just a bump in the road. I wouldn't bet against him reclaiming his spot. The rivalry between him and Gill? Pure gold. The Champions Trophy is going to be insane.
A Whole Bunch of Ranking Shakes
It wasn't just the top two that saw changes. The rankings were a real shake-up! Rohit Sharma remained solid in third. Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa) and Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) rounded out the top five. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) had a massive jump, climbing six spots to a career-high 15th. And then there's Maheesh Theekshana...
Theekshana's Bowling Blitz
This guy, Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka), is officially number one in ODI bowling rankings. He took over from Rashid Khan (Afghanistan). Seriously, who saw that coming? His four-wicket haul against Australia was crucial in Sri Lanka's series win—a win that’s even more impressive considering they won’t even be at the Champions Trophy.
The Champions Trophy: Get Ready!
With all these changes, the Champions Trophy is going to be absolutely electric. Gill versus Babar at the top of the batting charts? Theekshana aiming to stay on top in bowling? It's the perfect stage for some epic showdowns. This is more than just a tournament; it's a statement. The battle for supremacy is ON!
The Bottom Line
Shubman Gill’s rise is a huge story. It’s a testament to hard work and talent. But this isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning of a new chapter in the world of ODI cricket. The rivalry between Gill and Babar is just heating up, and the Champions Trophy is the perfect place to watch it all unfold. Let the games begin!
