In a moment that will go down as one of the most inspiring chapters in Indian cricket history, veteran opener Rohit Sharma has achieved yet another remarkable feat. At 38 years and 182 days, Rohit has climbed to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings for the very first time in his career — becoming the oldest-ever batter to do so.

The milestone, which comes amid intense speculation about Rohit’s international future, not only cements his legacy as one of the finest white-ball cricketers of all time but also marks a poetic late-career resurgence few athletes ever manage.

Rohit Sharma Creates History at 38, Breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s Record

At an age when most cricketers have long hung up their boots, Rohit has surpassed none other than Sachin Tendulkar, who previously held the record for being the oldest Indian to top an ICC batting chart. Tendulkar was 38 years and 73 days old when he last held the No. 1 ranking in Tests back in 2011.

Rohit’s achievement is all the more extraordinary because it comes in ODI cricket, a format where consistency and adaptability are crucial, and where younger batters often dominate the rankings.

This is the first time in Rohit Sharma’s career that he has reached the top of the ODI batting rankings — a dream he had never achieved even during his record-smashing 2019 World Cup run, where he hit five centuries and reached a personal best of 882 rating points.

The Series That Changed Everything: Rohit’s Dominance in Australia

Rohit’s rise to the top of the rankings has been powered by a sensational performance during India’s three-match ODI series in Australia earlier this month.

Returning to the 50-over format after a seven-month break, the Indian skipper was in sublime touch, topping the run charts with 202 runs in three innings. His crowning moment came in the Sydney decider, where he unleashed a majestic century that powered India to a nine-wicket victory, sealing the series in style.

That knock — his 33rd ODI hundred and 50th in international cricket — was a masterclass in controlled aggression, timing, and experience. For fans who had questioned whether Rohit’s best days were behind him, the innings served as a resounding reminder of his enduring brilliance.

Dethroning Shubman Gill: Changing of the Guard

Before Rohit’s surge, the No. 1 ODI batter in the world was Shubman Gill, India’s young superstar and captain in both ODIs and Tests. Gill had held the top spot since late 2023 but endured a poor run in Australia, managing only 43 runs across three matches.

As a result, Rohit’s 36-point gain — moving from 741 to 781 points — was enough to dethrone Gill. Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran also capitalized on Gill’s dip, climbing into the second position, just behind Rohit.

For the 24-year-old Gill, the slump was temporary, but the symbolic passing of the torch to his senior was impossible to ignore. As Gill slipped to third, Rohit reminded the world that experience, patience, and form can still triumph over youth and promise.

ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings – October 2025

Rohit’s jump of 36 rating points not only took him past Gill but also reaffirmed his reputation as a player who thrives under pressure and against top teams. His return to the top echelon of world cricket is even more special considering that his previous career-best ranking was only No. 2, achieved during the 2019 World Cup.

Kohli, Iyer Among Movers in Latest Rankings

The latest ICC update also brought mixed results for other Indian batters. Virat Kohli, who began the Australia tour with back-to-back ducks, recovered with an unbeaten 74 in the third ODI. However, that wasn’t enough to maintain his previous fifth position; he slipped one spot to sixth.

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer’s consistent middle-order performances helped him climb to ninth place, his first top-10 appearance since 2023.

Record-Breaking Tour Down Under: Rohit Sharma’s Historic Feats

Rohit’s tour of Australia was not just a comeback story — it was a statistical masterclass that saw him break and equal multiple long-standing records across formats. Here’s a breakdown of his incredible milestones:

1. Most Runs as an Indian Opener

Rohit overtook Virender Sehwag’s tally of 15,758 runs across formats as an opener, achieving the feat in 11 fewer innings. This makes him India’s most prolific opener in history — a testament to his longevity and adaptability.

2. Most Hundreds as an Indian Opener

With his Sydney century, Rohit also equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s 45 international hundreds as an opener, the most by any Indian batter. Globally, he now trails only David Warner (49 hundreds) among all openers in world cricket.

3. Most ODI Hundreds Against Australia

Rohit’s love affair with Australia continued as he equalled Tendulkar’s record of nine ODI centuries against the Aussies. What makes this feat even more astounding is the efficiency — Rohit reached nine tons in just 49 innings, while Tendulkar needed 70.

4. Second-Oldest Indian to Score an ODI Hundred

His Sydney ton also placed him in elite company. At 38 years and 178 days, Rohit became the second-oldest Indian to score an ODI hundred, behind only Sachin Tendulkar (38 years and 327 days).

5. Most ODI Hundreds in SENA Countries

Rohit extended his tally to 14 ODI centuries in SENA nations (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) — the highest by any visiting batter in those challenging conditions.

Each of these records underscores how Rohit has evolved from a naturally gifted stroke-maker into one of the most technically astute and mentally resilient cricketers of his generation.

From World Cup Hero to Timeless Wonder

Rohit’s latest achievement adds another layer to an already illustrious career. Since making his ODI debut in 2007, the Mumbai-born right-hander has redefined what it means to be a modern opener.

His transformation from a middle-order hopeful to a top-order giant began in 2013, and since then, he has piled up runs with remarkable consistency. Over the years, he has become synonymous with big-match temperament and record-breaking performances — from his 264 against Sri Lanka, still the highest individual ODI score, to his five centuries in a single World Cup.

Now, as he approaches the twilight of his career, this new No. 1 ranking symbolizes not just his enduring class, but also his unrelenting drive to keep pushing boundaries.

What Makes Rohit Sharma’s Feat So Special

Becoming the world’s top-ranked batter at 38 is more than a statistical triumph — it’s a story of perseverance, reinvention, and quiet determination.

Unlike many players who fade with age, Rohit has continued to refine his craft. His shot selection has become sharper, his fitness regime more disciplined, and his reading of the game almost instinctive.

The fact that he achieved this milestone after a seven-month break from ODIs speaks volumes about his preparation and mindset. It also highlights how experience can often outshine youth when backed by discipline and hunger.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Rohit Sharma?

As discussions about his retirement swirl, this achievement may have changed the conversation altogether. Far from being done, Rohit Sharma looks like a man with unfinished business.

With a home Test series coming up and the Champions Trophy around the corner, the Indian skipper’s resurgence could not have come at a better time. If his current form continues, fans may well witness another golden chapter in his already glittering career.

A Legacy Reinforced

From being the young talent once overshadowed by bigger names to becoming India’s most dependable opener, Rohit Sharma’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational.

Now, as the oldest-ever ICC No. 1 ODI batter, he joins an elite league of legends who aged like fine wine — Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, and Kumar Sangakkara among them.

For millions of fans, this isn’t just a ranking update — it’s a celebration of longevity, consistency, and passion. Rohit Sharma has not just broken records; he has redefined what it means to stay relevant, motivated, and dominant — even at 38.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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