In the most recent ICC ODI rankings released on Wednesday, Indian opener Shubman Gill made a significant leap, securing his career-best position at No. 4. This advancement came after Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman fell two spots owing to his recent performance, notably the zero he posted in the first ODI against Afghanistan in Hambantota.
Currently boasting 743 points, Gill is now the highest-ranked Indian batsman in the ODI format. Representing Gujarat Titans, the stellar batsman also holds the distinction of being the second-best ranked Indian in the overall ICC list. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav proudly sits at the pinnacle of the T20I rankings as the top-ranked Indian batter, with Test cricket stalwart Rohit Sharma occupying the 10th spot.
Virat Kohli, the ex-skipper of Team India, finds himself at the ninth position, amassing 705 ranking points. On the global scene, Pakistan's Babar Azam dominates the chart with a whopping 880 points, while South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen and Pakistan's Imam-ul-Haq trail at second and third positions with 777 and 752 points respectively. Meanwhile, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma couldn't make it to the top 10 and is still stationed at no.11 spot.
Shubman Gill's focus now shifts to the Asia Cup 2023, where he is set to face Pakistan in the tournament's inaugural match on September 2 in Kandy. Reflecting on his recent performances and partnerships, Gill shared his excitement about opening alongside Indian captain Rohit Sharma. "It feels great to be able to open with him, especially knowing that all the focus is on him. He's someone who likes the other batters to go and just express himself and play the way I want to play the game. So in that nature, he gives the players full freedom for how they want to express their game," he remarked, as quoted by ICC.
Turning the spotlight to the bowlers, Mohammed Siraj remains India's top bowler in the ODI rankings, despite a drop to fifth position with 670 points. Kuldeep Yadav represents India as well in the top 10, taking the 10th spot at 622 points. On the global front, Australia's Josh Hazlewood is the reigning champion in ODI bowling rankings with 705 points, followed closely by his compatriot Mitchell Starc, and Afghanistan's off-spinner who recently climbed to the third spot with 680 points.
The updated ICC ODI Batters Rankings sees Babar Azam leading the pack, followed by van der Dussen, Imam-ul-Haq, and Gill rounding out the top four spots.
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