Shubman Gill and Maheesh Theekshana have risen to become the No. 1 men’s ODI batter and bowler, respectively, in the latest ICC rankings. Gill surpassed Babar Azam following a stellar performance in India’s 3-0 ODI series win against England, where he scored 259 runs at an average of 86.33. Theekshana moved ahead of Rashid Khan after impressive outings in Sri Lanka’s ODI series against Australia. Gill has 796 rating points, while Babar has 773; Theekshana leads bowlers with 680 points. Notably, Charith Asalanka and Mitchell Santner also climbed the rankings, showcasing strong individual performances.
Gill had an outstanding performance during the home ODI series against England, which India won 3-0, posting scores of 87, 60, and 112. He ended as the series’ leading run-scorer with a total of 259 runs at an average of 86.33 and a strike rate of 103.60. The next closest scorer, Shreyas Iyer, trailed Gill by 78 runs with a total of 181.
This marks the second time Gill has reached the pinnacle of ODI cricket; he previously held the top spot during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
His elevation has relegated Babar to second place, with Gill holding 796 rating points against Babar’s 773.
Although Sri Lanka did not qualify for the Champions Trophy, both Asalanka and Theekshana capitalized on their recent two-ODI series against Australia, with Theekshana achieving figures of 4 for 40 and none for 11.
Rashid Khan, who has not played an ODI since last December, has slipped to second place but remains close to Theekshana, holding 669 rating points compared to Theekshana’s 680. A strong performance in the Champions Trophy could see him reclaim the top position.