Major Shake-Up in ODI Rankings Ahead of Champions Trophy
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner, the ODI rankings have seen a major shake-up, with new names claiming the top spots in both batting and bowling.
India’s Shubman Gill has dethroned former Pakistan captain Babar Azam to become the world’s No.1 ODI batter, while Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana has climbed to the top of the ODI bowling rankings, overtaking Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan.
Gill Reclaims No.1 Spot
This marks the second time Gill has held the No.1 ranking, having previously surpassed Babar during the 2023 World Cup. His latest rise comes on the back of a stellar century against England in Ahmedabad, which propelled the 25-year-old to the top once again.
Babar now sits in second place, trailing Gill by 23 rating points, while India captain Rohit Sharma remains in third, 45 points behind his opening partner.
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell (up to No.5) and Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka (jumping eight spots to No.8) also make significant moves inside the top 10. Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has climbed six places to a career-high No.15.
Further down the list, New Zealand’s Devon Conway (now 35th) and Glenn Phillips (41st) have made solid gains, while Pakistan’s Salman Agha surged 24 places to 48th after a strong showing in the recent Tri-Nation series.
The PCB announces UAE as the neutral venue for the Champions Trophy.
Theekshana Takes No.1 in Bowling
Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana has claimed the top spot in the ODI bowling rankings after an impressive home series against Australia, where he picked up a crucial four-wicket haul in the opening match.
Although Sri Lanka won’t feature in the Champions Trophy, Theekshana’s performances were enough to push Rashid Khan down to No.2. The Afghan spinner, however, is just 11 rating points behind and will be eager to reclaim the top spot during the tournament.
Other notable moves in the bowling rankings include India’s Kuldeep Yadav (up to No.4), South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj (re-entering at No.6), and New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner (climbing to No.7).
All-Rounders Stay Steady
Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi continues to lead the all-rounders’ rankings, with Santner moving up one place to No.6.
With the Champions Trophy set to begin in Pakistan and Dubai, these ranking shifts add an exciting subplot to what promises to be a thrilling tournament.
