From Tendulkar to Gill, only a select few Indians have reigned as ODI No. 1.
New Delhi
Achieving the ICC ODI World No. 1 ranking is among the highest honors for any batter — a recognition of unmatched skill, consistency, and dominance. Over the decades, only a handful of Indian batters have scaled this pinnacle, etching their names in cricketing history with their brilliance and grit.
The journey began with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who became the third Indian to reach the top after 102 innings. The “Master Blaster” redefined batting through the 1990s and 2000s, setting new standards of excellence that inspired generations to come.
Following him, MS Dhoni — fondly known as “Thala” — showcased his trademark calm and power-hitting to become India’s quickest batter to claim the No. 1 spot, doing so in just 38 innings. His leadership and finishing prowess cemented his place among the game’s modern greats.
Virat Kohli, the face of India’s batting dominance in the 2010s, reached the top in his 112th ODI innings, combining passion and precision in equal measure. His unmatched consistency and chase mastery kept him at or near the top for years.
Rohit Sharma, India’s prolific opener, joined the elite list by securing the No. 1 ranking — becoming the fifth Indian to do so. Known for his effortless stroke play and record-breaking double centuries, Rohit continues to be a pillar of India’s batting lineup.
Carrying the torch forward, Shubman Gill, the youngest on the list, recently achieved the prestigious ICC World No. 1 ranking, symbolizing the future of Indian batting. From Tendulkar’s dominance to Gill’s rise, India’s batting excellence continues to shine on the global stage.
