India's veteran opener Rohit Sharma's reign as no.1 ODI batter has lasted less than three weeks. New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell took the top spot with an 119-run knock in the first ODI of the series in Christchurch to take the top spot, climbing two places.
Mitchell is narrowly ahead of Rohit with 782 rating points. However, Rohit who became the no.1 ODI batter for the first time at the age of 38 will have a chance to reclaim it soon.
The Kiwi batter has just one point lead over the former India captain. Also, Mitchell picked up a groin strain and has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI series. He has been advised two weeks of rehabiliation.
Meanwhile, Rohit will be in action in the three-ODI series against South Africa at home. If he puts in good performances against the Proteas, he will take the top spot again.
First Kiwi in 46 years to take no.1 spot
Mitchell is only the second BlackCaps batter to become the no.1 ODI batter. The previous Kiwi batter was legendary Glenn Turner who rose to the top in 1979. Since then, there have been several New Zealand players — Martin Crowe, Nathan Astle, Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor – who have missed out on the no.1 spot despite being in the vicinity of it.
Other changes in top 10
There were a few other changes in the top 10. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka slipped three places to ninth spot. As a result, Pakistan's Babar Azam, Ireland's Harry Tector and India's Shreyas Iyer occupied sixth, seventh and eighth spot respectively.
De Kock in pursuit of top 10
Following a century on return, South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock moved up three places to 12th.