As of February 26, 2025, Indian batsmen have set a record by  clinching four positions among the top 10 of the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings. This  is a clear testament to India’s batting strength, durability, and prominence in the international arena.

Top  Indian Batsmen in ICC ODI Rankings 2025

Shubman Gill: Leading the  Charge

• Current Rank: 1st
• Rating Points: 817
• Strengths:  Consistency, technique, pressure handling.

Shubman Gill has emerged as the top ODI batsman in  the world. He has been particularly effective in India’s run to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025  final. His ability to control the game and provide crucial impetus at important stages of the match is  invaluable.

 Rohit Sharma: The Reliable Presence of a Captain

• Current Rank: 3rd
• Rating Points: 757
• Key Strengths: Leadership, big match temperament, elegant stroke play.

 Rohit Sharma has been one of the key reasons for India’s recent success due to his consistency  at the top order. His technique to anchor innings while also having a good strike rate has made him irreplaceable. As a captain, his leadership and experience are still leading the team through tough games.

Virat Kohli: The Maestro's Resurgence     

• Current Rank: 5th      
• Rating Points: 743  
• Key Strengths: Chase master, fitness, adaptability  

Virat Kohli has once again proved why he is one of the best batsmen of all time.  His unbeaten century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 also showed his strength in pressure  situations. His hunger for runs and commitment to excellence inspires the next generation.

Shreyas Iyer: The Middle-Order Pillar        

• Current Rank:  9th        
• Rating Points: 679      
• Strengths: Stability, flexibility, acceleration in the death overs

Shreyas Iyer has been crucial to India with his middle-order performances. He has been  useful in rebuilding the innings and in completing the games and thus has provided depth and reliability to the  team. Being India's reliability for stabilizing the innings, he continues to justify his place.

India's Batting Depth: A Testament to Excellence

The fact that four Indian batsmen figure among the ICC ODI top 10 rankings is a strong indication of:

• Strong domestic structure – Nurturing world-class talent
• Successful mentorship – Taking lessons from legends such as Kohli & Rohit Sharma
• Consistency of performance – Performing in all conditions

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 underway, India's batting lineup is one of the strongest in international cricket. This team is not only about individual genius but a team powerhouse waiting to write new history.

Virat Kohli had made a name for himself as a big match player and his shows against Pakistan has only added to his legacy as one of the legends cricket has ever produced. A match-winner, his ability to soak up pressure, score runs quickly and be a nightmare for any bowling attack is unmatched. Let’s get into it and take a closer look at his impressive record and why he is considered the GOAT of cricket.

Virat Kohli’s Dominance Against Pakistan

Virat Kohli's consistency against Pakistan is incredible. In the last 15 innings he has played, he has amassed 849 runs at a batting average of 70.75 with a strike rate of 123.9. This tally comprises four centuries and five half-centuries with the highest score being 183. His innings have been game-turners most often, establishing why he loves playing in the most intense cricketing rivalries.

A Century to Remember – ICC Champions Trophy 2025

One of Kohli’s most iconic performances came in the ICC Champions Trophy on February 23, 2025, in Dubai. In a crucial match, he played an unbeaten knock of 100(111)* to guide India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan. This milestone innings marked his 51st ODI century, making him the fastest to reach the landmark—beating legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.

Additionally, Kohli surpassed the 14,000-run mark in ODIs, solidifying his place among cricket’s greatest batters. His ability to perform on the biggest stage yet again proved why he is a generational talent.

King of the Chase – Kohli’s Match-Winning Prowess

Kohli’s tagline of "Chase Master" is fully deserved. His ability to soak up pressure, rotate strike and accelerate when necessary makes him a nightmare for any bowling attack.

In the 2025 Champions Trophy encounter, India had a 241-run target. Kohli added as the captains Shubman Gill (46) in addition to Shreyas Iyer (56) to anchor the innings, setting up a comfortable chase. Once again, his calm and calculated approach proved as to why he is the best chaser in the modern-day cricket.

Virat Kohli’s Record-Breaking Fielding Feats

Kohli is not only a batting mastermind; his fielding skills are also matchless. He broke Mohammad Azharuddin's record of outfield catches by an Indian in ODIs recently and has taken a total of 158 catches. 

This sets him third on the world map, just after cricket legends Ricky Ponting of Australia and Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka. His quickness, athleticism, and quick reflexes continue to serve him well in deciding matches.

Virat Kohli’s Legacy Against Pakistan – The GOAT of Cricket

Kohli’s unparalleled consistency, mental toughness, and ability to perform under pressure have shifted the balance in India’s favor in the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry. His contributions extend beyond just runs; they inspire young cricketers and elevate the standards of modern-day batting.

With every record broken and new standard set, his legend as being among the greatest cricketers ever only continues to be strongly reinforced.

The 7th match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will see Australia face off against South Africa on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This Group A Day/Night clash is set to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to build momentum in the tournament.

Australia and South Africa overcame their disappointing pre-tournament form to start the Champions Trophy with victories. Both teams enter their clash with their batters in top form. Australia holds a slight edge after pulling off the highest successful chase in tournament history—352 runs—with 15 balls to spare. Meanwhile, South Africa’s commanding total of 315 for 6 against Afghanistan secured a 107-run win, giving them a higher spot on the points table due to a superior net run rate.

With a batting-friendly pitch expected in Rawalpindi, bowlers from both sides are in for a challenging outing, especially given the absence of key players. Australia is missing several frontline pacers, including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, while South Africa is without Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee, forcing them to explore other options for express pace. Despite these setbacks, South Africa still has five seamers and three spinners available, including Aiden Markram. Australia’s squad structure is similar, with Marnus Labuschagne offering an extra bowling option. The key difference could come down to team selection and how the captains distribute the overs to apply pressure.

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While a win won’t guarantee a semi-final spot, it will put the victorious team in a strong position to top the group. This promises to be a thrilling contest, especially considering their last high-stakes encounter. In the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal, South Africa managed only 212 runs but pushed Australia to the 48th over before the winning runs were scored. That match was a tense, low-scoring battle—this one, however, is shaping up to be a high-scoring spectacle. Given the fierce rivalry between these two teams, expect an electrifying showdown in front of a packed stadium.

South Africa vs Australia : Head-to-Head Record
The two teams have faced each other 110 times in ODIs, with South Africa winning 55 matches and Australia securing 51 victories. Three games ended in a tie, while one match had no result. Though the head-to-head record is closely contested, South Africa holds a slight edge. This will be their first meeting in the ongoing tournament.

Making a debut for their country is a dream, and scoring an unforgettable mark in their first match is a style to manage their presence in the world. Scoring a century on Debut is a rare feat.

Individual highest score at the International level is a rare score

Matthew Breetzke (South Africa) – 150 (148) vs New Zealand, 2025

The newest into this elite club, Matthew Breetzke, shocked the cricketing world when he bashed 150 off 148 balls against New Zealand in 2025. This knock was just full of beautiful stroke play and controlled aggression and set a new record for the highest score on an ODI debut, supplanting Desmond Hayne's record from 1978.

ALSO SEE: "Playing domestic cricket has helped me," says Ravindra Jadeja on his consistent performances against England.

Desmond Haynes (West Indies) – 148 (136) vs Australia, 1978

Haynes had the record for the highest debut score in ODI cricket for more than four decades. The West Indian opener batted valiantly against  Australian bowling for 148 off 136 balls with the fearlessness that announced his arrival on the international scene, upon which his innings left a foundation for a legendary career.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan) – 127 (127) v Ireland, 2021

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is another rising star in Afghanistan, having made a bright impact on the international scene for the first time with a winning 127-ball  knock against  Ireland He  looked aggressive in style and showed nothing to fear at the crease, pointing the way forward as  Afghanistan emerges increasingly in world cricket.

Colin Ingram (South Africa) – 124 (126) vs Zimbabwe, 2010

Colin Ingram made his debut for South Africa a dream one, though, when he scored 124 off 126 balls against Zimbabwe in 2010. His steady anchoring of the innings with attacking strokes in batting made his debut truly memorable and set him up for a promising international career.

Mark Chapman (Hong Kong) – 124 (116) vs UAE, 2015*
Before moving to New Zealand, Mark Chapman was on the headlines, making an unbeaten 124 from 116* balls for Hong Kong against UAE. His classy and composed innings are one of the best in the history of ODI play, and truly a debut worth remembering while showing his skill at the level.

These players made their instant impact on the team with their spectacular performances on debut, proving that sometimes a great career has its start in a spectacular first impression.

The 6th match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will see Bangladesh face off against New Zealand on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This Group A Day/Night clash is set to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to build momentum in the tournament.

New Zealand kicked off their tournament with an impressive win against Pakistan, the defending champions and hosts, and have remained unbeaten so far, having played just one match. Their all-round performance was outstanding, with Will Young and Tom Latham smashing centuries, while skipper Santner and William O'Rourke each picked up three wickets.

On the other hand, Bangladesh faced a tough challenge against India in their opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite a fighting effort from Towhid Hridoy, who scored a century, and Jaker Ali, who contributed 68 off 114 balls, Bangladesh could only manage a total of 228. India chased down the target comfortably, leaving Bangladesh with plenty to work on in both batting and bowling for their upcoming matches.In the recent last five meetings between them, New Zealand won 4 out of the 5 matches, while Bangladesh secured 1 victory.

Head-to-Head : New Zealand vs  Bangladesh

 The two teams have squared off 45 times in ODIs, with New Zealand holding a dominant record, winning 33 matches compared to Bangladesh's 11 victories. One encounter ended without a result. When it comes to the Champions Trophy, the sides have faced each other twice, with each team claiming one victory.

In their most recent clash at the 2017 Champions Trophy, Bangladesh pulled off a stunning upset by defeating New Zealand by 5 wickets. Chasing down a challenging target of 265 set by the Blackcaps, Bangladesh's response was led by the brilliance of Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah, both of whom scored magnificent centuries. Their calm and composed approach guided Bangladesh to victory, with New Zealand failing to defend their total. This loss marked a disappointing end for New Zealand, who were unable to capitalize on their total despite setting a challenging target. However, this time around, Shakib Al Hasan, who was instrumental in that win, will not be part of Bangladesh's squad, making their lineup and approach to this encounter all the more intriguing.

Australia vs England : New Zealand vs  Bangladesh

New Zealand vs  Bangladesh : Head-to-Head records in Champions Trophy

The highly anticipated 4th match of the 2025 Champions Trophy will feature England and Australia clashing at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Australia has had a challenging run recently, suffering a series of defeats, including losses to Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The team has struggled to find consistent form, with their most recent wins coming in a hard-fought encounter against Pakistan. While they’ve faced some tough competition, Australia will be determined to bounce back and make an impact in the Champions Trophy.

England, on the other hand, has had a difficult time in their recent ODIs, particularly against India, suffering three consecutive losses by significant margins. Their defeats were marked by dominant performances from India, who outclassed England in each match. Despite these recent losses, England will be hoping to regroup and put up a strong challenge against Australia in their upcoming clash.

Head-to-Head : Australia vs England 

Australia and England have a long-standing rivalry, having faced each other 161 times in ODIs, with Australia holding a strong advantage, having won 91 matches compared to England's 65 victories and tw tied games. Three of their encounters have ended without a definite result. In their last five meetings, Australia has come out on top three times, while England has won twice. Despite some recent setbacks, both teams will be eager to perform at their best when they face off in the Champions Trophy.
In their last five meetings in the Champions Trophy, England has come out on top three times, while Australia has won twice. Both teams have had competitive encounters, with each looking to assert dominance in the prestigious tournament. Their rivalry in the Champions Trophy has been marked by high-stakes matches, and with both sides boasting strong line-ups, future encounters promise to be just as thrilling.

Both Sides met in  between England and Australia in the 2017 Champions Trophy saw England win by 40 runs using the D/L method. In a rain-affected match, Australia posted 277/9, while England, chasing a revised target, managed to reach 240/4. The win helped England secure a place in the final, and the match remains a significant part of their recent Champions Trophy history.

Australia vs England : Head-to-Head records in ODIS

Australia vs England : Head-to-Head records in Champions Trophy

The much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 started with the Group A match between the hosts and defending champions Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday (February 19). New Zealand started the tournament with a 60-run win. 

After Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan chose to field first, New Zealand scored 320/5 in 50 overs, and the hosts replied with 260 all out. Now, we are going through some key records of the tournament opener. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Key Match Stats of Pakistan vs New Zealand

Will Young and Tom Latham guide New Zealand to big total

• New Zealand batters Will Young and Tom Latham hit centuries. It was the fifth time in ICC Champions Trophy history with two centuries in an innings. 
• Tom Latham (118*) became the third wicketkeeper-batter to record a century in ICC Champions Trophy history. The other two names are Zimbabwean Andy Flower (145 vs India in 2002) and Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara (134* vs England in 2013).
• With his 118*, Tom Latham recorded the second highest individual score by a New Zealand batter in ICC Champions Trophy history. The record is 145* by Nathan Astle against the USA at The Oval in the 2004 edition.
• New Zealand scored 320/5 in 50 overs. It was their second highest total in ICC Champions Trophy history. Their record is 347/4 against the USA in the 2004 The Oval match. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s 320/5 was the seventh highest total in ICC Champions Trophy history.
• New Zealand’s 320/5 was the second highest total for a team against the hosts in the ICC Champions Trophy history. The record is 323/8 by England against the hosts South Africa at Centurion during the 2009 edition. 

See Also: New Zealand create ICC Champions Trophy history with twin centuries

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf had a forgetable outing

• Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf ended with the bowling figures of 10-0-83-2. It was the most runs conceded by a hosts’ bowler in main ICC ODI tournament history (ICC ODI World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy). Previously, English bowler Paul Allott (1/82 against Sri Lanka in the ICC Cricket World Cup 1983), New Zealand bowler Tim Southee (2/82 against West Indies in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015), and English bowler Jake Ball (1/82 against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017) jointly held the record.
• With his 2 for 83 runs bowling figures, Haris Rauf recorded the second most expensive bowling figures by a Pakistan bowler (Wahab Riaz 8.4-0-87-0 vs India in 2017) and the joint fourth most expensive bowling figures among the overall bowlers in ICC Champions Trophy history. 

Pakistan very slow start

• With 22/2, Pakistan recorded their lowest-ever first 10 overs score in a home ODI.

Khushdil Shah broke Champions Trophy record against New Zealand

• Pakistan batter Khushdil Shah completed his 50 runs in 38 balls. It was the fastest half-century record against New Zealand in ICC Champions Trophy history. English legend Alastair Cook was the previous record holder with a 39-ball fifty during the 2013 edition. 

Pakistan suffered a record defeat

• Pakistan lost the match by 60 runs. It was the largest defeat (by runs) for the hosts in ICC Champions Trophy history. The previous record was South Africa losing by 55 runs against Sri Lanka during the 2009 edition.
• New Zealand have won all their four matches against Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy history. 

The much-anticipated 2nd match of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 will see India and Bangladesh face off at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on thursday, February 20, 2025.

Bangladesh has faced some difficulties in recent ODIs, enduring a series of losses. They were defeated by the West Indies in three consecutive matches, including a 4-wicket loss, a 7-wicket loss, and a 5-wicket loss. They managed to secure a win against Afghanistan in one of their matches, but were later defeated again by Afghanistan in another game. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh will be determined to turn things around and put up a strong performance against India in the Champions Trophy.

India, on the other hand, has been in impressive form, especially in their recent series against England. They won all three of their ODIs, with dominant performances in each match, securing victories by substantial margins. Although India faced some setbacks earlier in the last year against Sri Lanka, their recent form, particularly their convincing wins over England, reflects their strength and readiness for the upcoming clash against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy.

Head-to-Head : India vs Bangladesh

India and Bangladesh have a long history of encounters in One Day Internationals (ODIs). In their 41 ODI matchups, India has dominated with 32 wins, while Bangladesh has claimed victory in 8 matches. One match has ended with no result.The two teams have faced each other once in the ICC Champions Trophy, with India emerging victorious. In the 2017 edition, India bowled out Bangladesh for 264 and successfully chased the target with 59 balls to spare. Rohit Sharma played a stellar knock of 123* off 129 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award.Interestingly, in the last five ODIs, India has struggled against Bangladesh, winning only two matches while Bangladesh has secured three victories. As the two teams face off in the upcoming Champions Trophy, Bangladesh will look to continue their dominance, while India aims to start the tournament with a strong momentum and a crucial win.

India vs Bangladesh : Head-to-Head records in ODIS

India vs Bangladesh : Head-to-Head records in Champions Trophy

In the world of cricket, Few names command the kind of respect and admiration that  Mahendra Singh Dhoni. From his unflappable personality to his transformative leadership, Dhoni's impact on the game is permanent. Though fans and analysts have speculated over when he will retire from the IPL, there are those who just want to see him play on. One of them is Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson.

"Thoda Aur" – A Sentiment of Millions:
Speaking to the media, Sanju Samson explained, "Whenever people say Dhoni should retire from IPL, I only think 'Thoda Aur' for Dhoni. And this "Thoda Aur" (a little more) has become a catchphrase for what millions of cricket fans feel about the former Indian captain

Not just admiration for an individual, but also echoing the sentiment of an entire generation having grown up watching Dhoni the masterstrokes he played. Whether it’s his helicopter shots, strategic captaincy, or ability to absorb pressure, Dhoni’s aura in the IPL is nothing but magical.

SANJU 🤝 DHONI...!!!!!

- Sanju said "Whenever people say that Dhoni should retire from the IPL, I always feel 'Thoda Aur' for Dhoni". [PTI]

A Fanboy moment by Samson 🤍 pic.twitter.com/nI8GKa7tV7

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 19, 2025

Beyond the Numbers – The Dhoni Impact:

MS Dhoni continues to be the cornerstone for CSK even at 42. He might not be batting as often as before, but just having him in the dressing room and on the field makes his teammates feel a lot more confident. His game awareness, calm decision making, and unparalleled experience make him an irreplaceable asset.

Samson, who has battled Dhoni both as an opponent and as a wicketkeeper-batsman himself, knows well the amount of fire Dhoni carries. * “You don’t measure Dhoni’s influence in stats. trainer, so he has that belief that is in short supply in the game, he added

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A Legacy That Refuses to Fade:

Dhoni is one of the most talked about players when it comes to retirement yet he has not bowed down to anyone yet. With each six he smashes and each spine-stinging stumping he executes, he reminds the world why he is considered one of the best the game has ever seen.

Sanju Samson’s “Thoda Aur” sentiment isn’t just about extending Dhoni’s career, it’s about paying tribute to his greatness, a recognition of the irreplaceable aura of the legend. And as long as Dhoni continues to step onto the field, million of fans, including his fellow cricketers, will come continues to hope for "Thoda Aur Dhoni" in the IPL.

Cricket in modern times have been privileged to have so many great batsmen take the game to next level. Babar Azam and Virat Kohli are the top Two Players among so many great batsmen. The two have enthralled cricket fans across the world, with perfect batting, such consistency and the skill to deliver under a lot of pressure. Of course, comparisons will be made between the two but each has a distinct legacy in the history of international cricket.

Virat Kohli has arguably been one of the greatest batsmen that ever played cricket. His steadiness across all three formats has become legendary. Kohli has a never say die mentality when it comes to runs and on-field intensity which has no equal. He has the ability to run in at a wicket and nick it for boundaries whilst not giving a single chance to the opposing bowling.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam has broken through the ranks very quickly to become Pakistan's mainstay at number one in the order. His overt bounce, skill at the crease are reminiscent of the best you will find in the world. What makes Babar so unique is this elegant combination of grace and finesse, and with his contributions unmatched across formats for years now Pakistan has been successful.

Stats and Records:

Statistics never show the complete picture but they do shine some light into these two cricketers being uber-dominant. Kohli who made his ODI debut in 2008 he has over 25,000 international runs and several centuries in Tests,ODIs and T20 against the best team. His all format dominance and adaptability has been one of his big strengths.

Though Babar is relatively fresh into international cricket, scores thundering already The all-time listed player in ICC rankings and holds many records for pakistan. Across formats, his batting averages reveal that he seems to be able to adjust to different conditions as well.

Leadership and Impact: Guiding Their Nation to Glory

Both players have been great to their country as well. Kohli was aggressive while playing and later as captain of India for fitness revolution, a lot of historic overseas wins. His leadership turned India into a big force, mostly in Test cricket.

Having to wear the cap for Pakistan, Babar Azam has borne heavy weight. Pakistan has enjoyed relative peace and match winning performances under him, especially in the white-ball arena. The maturity done to Tranquility and leading-by-example started the revival of Pakistan in the world.

Playing Styles and Adaptabilityt

Kohli was brutal, and he looked every bit a force to be reckoned with on world cricket. There is no greater chases bunter than him, he thrives in pressure and boasts of exceptional fourth wicket anchoring. Babar is a complete player with his clever footwork, solid timing and expansive K-run capability.

However Babar is usually associated with class and traditional stroke play. Watching his cover drives and wristy flicks are sheer pleasure. He has improved everywhere, starting from the defensive side of batting and can shift gears more than most hence an all-rounder as far as formats go.

A Legacy Beyond Comparison

Who is better Babar Azam or Virat Kohli, will be debated for as long these two are active. Kohli is already a legends in his own time, whilst Babar slowly but surely making history on his own terms. Both of these batters have inspired the world with their sheer arts and determination, and any cricket follower should be lucky to see them in action.Instead of comparing, who knows…maybe the most  clever approach is to revel in their journey and how each one contributed to the game.

Babar Azam and Virat Kohli are two of the finest batters of their generation. Their comparison debates have often intrigued fans and ex-cricketers on social media.https://t.co/F3lx8O74IQ

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) February 18, 2025

Also Read: Virender Sehwag Names His 5 Greatest ODI Batters; Kohli at No. 1, Sachin at 2