Key Points:
- Indian opener Shubman Gill becomes the top-ranked ODI batter in the latest ICC rankings, surpassing Pakistan’s Babar Azam.
- Gill’s stellar performance in the recent ODI series against England, including a century and two fifties, earned him 796 rating points, 23 more than Babar.
- The 25-year-old vice-captain of India heads into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in red-hot form, with India set to play Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the group stage.
- This is Gill’s second time at the top of ODI rankings after first achieving it during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
- India boasts four batters in the ICC ODI top 10 rankings: Shubman Gill (1st), Rohit Sharma (3rd), Virat Kohli (6th), and Shreyas Iyer (9th).
New Delhi: Indian cricket sensation Shubman Gill has climbed to the pinnacle of the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, dethroning Pakistan’s Babar Azam just hours before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The latest rankings update on February 19 placed Gill at the No. 1 position with 796 points, ahead of Babar’s 773 points.
Gill’s rise comes on the back of a phenomenal performance in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against England. The Indian vice-captain scored 259 runs across three games, including a match-winning century (112 off 102 balls) in Ahmedabad. His consistent form earned him the Player of the Series award, further solidifying his credentials as one of the best batters in world cricket.
Gill’s Stellar Form: A Breakdown
In the England series:
- 1st ODI (Nagpur): Scored 87 runs off 96 balls.
- 2nd ODI (Cuttack): Contributed 60 runs off 52 balls.
- 3rd ODI (Ahmedabad): Smashed a brilliant century, scoring 112 off 102 balls.
Gill’s aggregate of 259 runs came at an impressive average of 86.33 and a strike rate of 103.60, making him the top run-getter in the series.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Gill’s consistency and highlighted how his recent appointment as vice-captain has boosted his confidence. “Shubman has matured into a complete player. His ability to adapt to different conditions is what sets him apart,” Gambhir said.
India’s Strong Presence in ICC Rankings
India enters the Champions Trophy with four players in the ICC top 10 for ODI batting:
- Shubman Gill (1st): 796 points.
- Rohit Sharma (3rd): The Indian captain has 761 points.
- Virat Kohli (6th): Known for his consistency across formats.
- Shreyas Iyer (9th): Moved up after scoring a crucial 78 against England.
This dominance reflects India’s batting depth and positions them as strong contenders for the Champions Trophy title.
Champions Trophy Campaign: India’s Road Ahead
India will kickstart their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai. The group stage also includes high-stakes matches:
- February 23: India vs Pakistan – A marquee clash eagerly awaited by fans worldwide.
- March 2: India vs New Zealand – A rematch from previous ICC tournaments.
The eight-team tournament is being held across venues in Pakistan and Dubai, adding an intriguing subtext to India-Pakistan relations on and off the field.
Babar Azam Loses Top Spot
Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who had dominated the No. 1 position for several years, dropped to second place after losing form recently. In contrast, Shubman Gill gained momentum by consistently delivering match-winning performances for India.
The shift at the top adds an exciting subplot to the ongoing Champions Trophy, where both players will look to outperform each other on cricket’s biggest stage.
What Makes Gill Special?
Gill’s rise to No. 1 is not just about numbers; it reflects his ability to handle pressure and adapt to different conditions:
- His technique allows him to anchor innings while accelerating when needed.
- His maturity as vice-captain has added leadership qualities to his game.
- His fitness and athleticism make him a complete modern-day cricketer.
A Historic Achievement
This is not the first time Shubman Gill has claimed the No. 1 spot in ODIs. He previously reached this milestone during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in November 2023 but briefly lost it afterward. Regaining it ahead of a major tournament like the Champions Trophy highlights his consistency and hunger for success.
A Battle for Supremacy
As India begins its Champions Trophy journey, all eyes will be on Shubman Gill to lead from the front. With his current form and confidence, Gill is expected to play a pivotal role in India’s quest for glory. Meanwhile, fans eagerly await another chapter in his rivalry with Babar Azam, making this tournament even more thrilling.
For now, Shubman Gill stands tall as cricket’s brightest star—a testament to his hard work and immense talent.
