Virat Kohli’s All-Time Ranking Adjusted by ICC Following Fan Outcry, Now Ranks Third

Virat Kohli’s triumphant return to the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings has ignited celebrations among Indian cricket fans. However, a graphic shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that inaccurately reported the number of days Kohli has held the No. 1 position led to a swift backlash. Following criticism from fans and statisticians, the ICC corrected the error, significantly altering Kohli’s standing in the all-time rankings.

Kohli’s Remarkable Comeback

Virat Kohli reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings for the first time in nearly five years after a stellar performance against New Zealand. In the opening ODI match held in Vadodara, Kohli scored an impressive 93 runs off 91 balls, leading India to a four-wicket victory. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the 37-year-old cricketer, who last held the top ranking in July 2021. Kohli’s recent form has been nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and contribute to his team’s success.

The Controversial Graphic

Shortly after Kohli’s ranking was announced, the ICC released a graphic stating that he had spent only 825 days as the No. 1 ODI batter throughout his career. This claim positioned him at 10th place on the all-time list, which raised eyebrows among fans and cricket analysts. Many pointed out that the ICC’s own historical records indicated that Kohli had actually spent 1,547 days at the top. The discrepancy led to a wave of criticism on social media, prompting the ICC to retract the original post and issue a corrected statement.

ICC’s Correction and Kohli’s New Standing

After the ICC acknowledged the error, Kohli’s position on the all-time list dramatically improved. He surged from 10th to third place for the most days spent as the No. 1 ODI batter. Only West Indies legends Sir Vivian Richards and Brian Lara remain ahead of him, with 2,306 and 2,079 days, respectively. The ICC confirmed that Kohli has indeed been at the top for a total of 1,547 days, making him the Indian player with the most days at the summit. This correction highlights Kohli’s remarkable consistency and longevity in the sport.

Kohli’s Consistent Performance

Kohli’s resurgence in the rankings is backed by his exceptional performance in recent matches. He has recorded five scores of over 50 in his last six international outings, including two centuries. His impressive run began during the ODI series in Australia and continued with scores of 74, 135, 102, 65, and 93. Additionally, Kohli has also made significant contributions in other formats, including centuries against South Africa and in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His ability to maintain high performance levels is a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.


Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.

Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn

OV News Desk

The OV News Desk comprises a professional team of news writers and editors working round the clock to deliver timely updates on business, technology, policy, world affairs, sports and current events. The desk combines editorial judgment with journalistic integrity to ensure every story is accurate, fact-checked, and relevant. From market… More »
Back to top button