India’s Shubman Gill has overtaken former Pakistan captain Babar Azam to become the world’s No.1 ODI batter, just ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 opener being played between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
The 25-year-old’s recent century against England in Ahmedabad helped him reclaim the position he first held during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Babar drops to second, with India’s Rohit Sharma holding onto third place.
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell (now ranked fifth), Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka (eighth), and Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan (15th) have also climbed the rankings.
Pakistan’s Salman Agha made the biggest leap, jumping 24 places to 48th.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana has become the world’s No.1 ODI bowler, surpassing Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan.
The Sri Lankan spinner’s dominant performances against Australia secured his top spot, despite Sri Lanka not featuring in the Champions Trophy.
Rashid drops to second, while India’s Kuldeep Yadav moves up to fourth.
In the all-rounders’ rankings, Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi remains No.1, while New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner gains one spot to sixth.
With the Champions Trophy 2025 set to begin, the latest rankings add another intriguing layer to the tournament, as top players look to make their mark on the global stage.
