It was Shubman Gill, who halted Babar Azam's three-year-plus reign at the top of ODI batting rankings. Riding on his sensational form in the ongoing World Cup India's ace opener became the new no.1 in the ICC's ODI batting rankings. With this Gill has become only the fourth Indian player after Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli to become the no.1 batter in the ODI rankings.
Gill has 830 rating points, while Azam is now in second place with 824 points. Gill achieved this feat in just 41 innings, making him the second fastest batter to reach the top ranking. MS Dhoni is still the fastest, having done it in 38 innings.
Meanwhile, Gill feels the job isn't done yet with couple of more matches to go in the ongoing ODI World Cup. Gill is looking at the larger picture and has his eyes set on the coveted trophy.
“Feels good, but I don't think the job is done. We have a couple of more important matches to go and hopefully, we are able to top it off with a trophy. That would be amazing,” Gill said.
Gill was asked how it feels to join the list of legendary places who have achieved the no.1 spot in the ODI rankings, he said, “It feels great. As a kid, you always dreamed of playing for your country. To be able to play for the country in the World Cup and do well is always amazing. You can't really express it in words. I am in great company.”
Gill is the highest run-scorer in ODIs in 2023, and he is on track to become the first batter to reach 2000 runs this year. So far he has struck two half-centuries, including a classy 92 against Sri Lanka in India's win few days back..
India, who are unbeaten in the 2023 World Cup after eight games, are also dominant in the ICC rankings. Gill and Mohammed Siraj are the top-ranked players in ODIs, while Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami are in the top 10.
Gill has so far scored 219 runs from six innings in the World Cup. On the other hand Babar has amassed 282 runs in the ongoing showpiece event.
Siraj has also been in excellent form with the ball. He has taken six wickets in four matches in the World Cup, including a three-for against South Africa.
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