Cricket fans have been treated to an electrifying start in the India-New Zealand ODI series, with both sides showcasing top-tier talent and dramatic shifts in momentum. The spotlight, however, has shone brightest on Virat Kohli and Daryl Mitchell, two batters whose recent exploits have not only shaped the series but also shaken up the latest ICC rankings.
On January 11, 2026, the cricketing world watched as Virat Kohli produced yet another masterclass, scoring 93 runs off 91 balls in Vadodara. His innings proved pivotal, guiding India in their chase of New Zealand’s formidable 300-run total. Kohli’s knock wasn’t just another number in his record book—it propelled him back to the summit of the ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings for the 11th time, replacing his teammate Rohit Sharma at the top. According to the BCCI, “Virat Kohli has replaced Rohit Sharma as the top-ranked batter in men's ODIs on the ICC table after his 91-ball 93 led India's chase to top New Zealand's 300.”
This latest achievement marks Kohli’s first time at No. 1 since July 2021 and underscores a purple patch that’s seen him rack up scores of 74 not out, 135, 102, 65 not out, and 93 in his last five ODIs. The 37-year-old stalwart now sits on 785 points, one ahead of New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, whose own performances have been nothing short of spectacular.
Daryl Mitchell, who had previously ascended to the top spot in November 2025, continued his rich vein of form with an 84-run knock off 71 balls in the series opener. That effort saw him leapfrog into second place in the rankings, just a whisker behind Kohli. New Zealand’s cricket board highlighted, “Daryl Mitchell, who top-scored with 84 in 71 balls for New Zealand in that game, has moved up to No. 2 from No. 3.”
For Rohit Sharma, the series opener was less memorable. After managing just 26 runs, the former No. 1 slipped two spots to third in the ICC rankings, now sitting at 775 points. The top of the table has rarely been this tight, with Kohli, Mitchell, and Sharma separated by a mere 10 points. As the series unfolds, every innings could trigger another reshuffle at the summit.
Mitchell’s rise has been built on a foundation of consistency and clutch performances. In his last five ODIs, he’s tallied three half-centuries and a century, including a superb 119 against the West Indies and a memorable 134 in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal against India. His record against India is especially formidable: in 11 matches, he’s amassed 473 runs at an average of 52.55, striking at nearly 92, with two centuries and two fifties. New Zealand’s selectors have relied on his “match-winning temperament, especially in pressure games,” and he’s delivered time and again.
After the high-octane opener, the series moved to Rajkot for the second ODI on January 14, 2026. This time, New Zealand turned the tables, clinching a convincing seven-wicket win to level the series. India, batting first, posted a competitive 284/7, thanks largely to KL Rahul’s superb 112 off 92 balls. Shubman Gill chipped in with a half-century, but the much-anticipated contributions from Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja fizzled out as each got starts but failed to convert them into big scores.
New Zealand’s chase began shakily, with early wickets for India’s Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna removing Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls. But it was the third-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Will Young that swung the match decisively in the visitors’ favor. Together, they stitched a 150-run stand, with Mitchell smashing a century off just 97 balls—an innings laced with seven fours and two sixes—while Young crafted a composed 87 off 98 balls. Their partnership not only stabilized the chase but also put India’s bowlers on the back foot. By the time Young fell to Kuldeep Yadav, New Zealand were in sight of victory, needing just 50 runs from 48 balls with seven wickets in hand.
Kristian Clarke’s three wickets for New Zealand and the economical spells from the spinners also played a crucial role in keeping India’s total within reach. The Black Caps’ middle-order strength and ability to absorb pressure were on full display, with Mitchell once again at the heart of the action.
As the series heads to its decider, the individual and team narratives are more compelling than ever. Virat Kohli’s longevity at the top is a story in itself. With 825 days as the world’s No. 1 ODI batter—more than any other Indian and 10th most all-time—he continues to chase greatness, edging closer to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time international run tally. The ICC’s latest update confirms, “Kohli has achieved the top spot on the table for the 11th time.”
On the New Zealand side, Daryl Mitchell’s evolution from promising all-rounder to world-class batter has been a revelation. Despite a groin strain that ended his 2025 prematurely, he’s returned with renewed vigor, cementing his place as the Black Caps’ most reliable middle-order force. His ability to deliver in big moments—be it in a World Cup semifinal or a high-pressure run chase in India—has made him a nightmare for opposition bowlers.
The latest ICC rankings also reflect shifting fortunes beyond the ODI arena. In Test cricket, Australia’s Travis Head soared to No. 3 after a prolific Ashes series, while Steven Smith climbed to fourth. England’s Joe Root and Harry Brook hold the top two spots, with Jacob Bethell making a remarkable jump to 52nd after a maiden Test ton at the SCG. In T20Is, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga moved up to second among bowlers after a strong showing against Pakistan, and Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan climbed to fifth among batters.
But for now, all eyes remain on the final ODI between India and New Zealand. With the series locked at 1-1, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Kohli’s form, Mitchell’s consistency, and the razor-thin margins at the top of the ICC rankings set the stage for a thrilling finale. Will Kohli extend his reign as No. 1, or will Mitchell’s momentum carry him to the summit once more? Cricket fans can hardly wait to find out.
