Home » Daryl Mitchell Replaces Kohli as No.1 In ODI Rankings
Written By: Ben Crawley
Published: January 21, 2026

New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell has surged to the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batter rankings, dethroning India’s Virat Kohli following the Blackcaps’ historic 2-1 series victory in India.

Mitchell’s extraordinary performance saw him amass 352 runs across three innings at a staggering average of 176, including scores of 84, 131, and 137. His remarkable consistency propelled him from 784 rating points to 845, creating a significant 50-point gap over Kohli. Meanwhile, KL Rahul climbed to 10th position, joining Indian teammates Rohit Sharma (4th) and Shubman Gill (5th) in the top ten.

Latest ICC Men’s ODI Batsman Rankings

Daryl Mitchell Replaces Kohli as No.1 In ODI Rankings
Source: Mint
PosTeamPlayerRating
1NZDaryl Mitchell845
2IndiaVirat Kohli795
3AfghanistanIbrahim Zadran764
4IndiaRohit Sharma757
5IndiaShubman Gill723
6PakistanBabar Azam722
7IrelandHarry Tector708
8West IndiesShai Hope701
9Sri LankaCharith Asalanka690
10IndiaKL Rahul670

Mitchell’s Historic Achievement

Kohli reclaimed the top spot just last week following a series of impressive scores in the fifty-over format. However, Mitchell’s Player of the Series performance in New Zealand’s maiden ODI series triumph on Indian soil in 37 years proved decisive. The Kiwi batter’s twin centuries and a half-century demonstrated remarkable consistency and class under pressure.

Indian Batters Still Dominate Rankings

Despite losing the top position, India continues to have strong representation with four batters in the top ten. While Kohli’s rating actually improved by 10 points to 795, Mitchell’s meteoric rise overshadowed the Indian maestro’s gains. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and the newly-entered KL Rahul ensure India remains the most-represented nation in the elite rankings.

About the Author

Hey, I am a cricket writer based in London with over 7 years of experience covering everything from county championships to international showdowns. I bring a sharp eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, highlighting England’s rising stars and memorable match moments. At DurhamCricket, I deliver weekly coverage that's honest, insightful, and easy to follow—perfect for fans who live and breathe the game.

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