When the latest ICC men’s ODI rankings were announced, few expected a surprise but the revelation that Rohit Sharma had reached the No. 1 spot for the first time in his long and illustrious career left many stunned, including former England captain Nasser Hussain.
The milestone came after Rohit’s match-winning century against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25, a knock that carried the elegance and power he has long been known for. Yet what shocked Nasser Hussain was not the achievement itself but the fact that it took this long for it to happen.
The English commentator admitted his disbelief, saying he found it remarkable that a player of Rohit’s caliber, one who has scored three double hundreds and dominated white-ball cricket for over a decade had never before been ranked as the world’s best in ODIs. To him, this recognition was long overdue for someone who has consistently been among the finest one-day batters of the modern era.
Since the start of 2023, Rohit has been in extraordinary form, scoring 1,916 runs in 41 matches at an impressive average of 51.78 and a striking rate of 112.83. With 13 half-centuries and four hundreds in that period, his performance has been a perfect blend of flair and responsibility, the hallmark of a matured opener who has refined his game to suit every condition.
Even Dinesh Karthik, former India wicketkeeper and a close friend of Rohit Sharma, was surprised that this feat hadn’t arrived earlier. He recalled how dominant Rohit was during the 2019 World Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 648 runs in nine innings at an astonishing average of 81. To Dinesh Karthik, that was a phase when Rohit’s batting looked effortless and poetic, showcasing a player at the peak of his craft.
He also reflected on how Rohit Sharma’s technique has evolved in recent years. Once known for taking bold risks early in his innings, Rohit has embraced a more classical approach when facing the new ball in seaming conditions. By showing patience and discipline, he’s proved that he can adapt his natural attacking style to match the demands of tough pitches, a quality that separates great players from the rest.
Interestingly, Rohit Sharma had come close to the top spot before. In July 2025, after a dominant series against Sri Lanka, he reached his career-best rating of 882 points. But at that time, Virat Kohli still held the crown with 889 points and continued his reign through that period.
Now, years later, Rohit Sharma has finally stepped into the position many felt was rightfully his. The journey to No. 1 has been long, filled with remarkable highs and moments of quiet perseverance. And while the rankings may just be numbers, this one carries a deeper meaning, a symbol of recognition for a player who has spent his career mastering the art of timing, temperament and triumph.
For Nasser Hussain and Dinesh Karthik and of course, fans across the world, Rohit Sharma’s long-awaited rise is not just about statistics. It’s about seeing one of the finest craftsmen of the game finally receive the acknowledgment he has always deserved.
Congratulations to Hitman!
