Babar Azam's firm grip on the top spot of the ICC ODI batting Rankings is facing a serious challenge from India's rising star, Shubman Gill, as the latest rankings update sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. In a dramatic turn of events, Gill's remarkable performances have catapulted him into contention for the coveted title.
The young Indian opener has been in scintillating form, leaving spectators in awe with his exploits in recent weeks. His stellar show in the Asia Cup made him the tournament's highest run-scorer, and he carried that momentum into the ODI series against Australia. Gill left an indelible mark by amassing an astonishing 178 runs in just two matches, including a mesmerizing century in the second ODI.
Gill, a gifted right-handed batsman, began his ODI series with a blistering 74 in Mohali, setting the tone for what was to come. He followed this up with a stunning sixth ODI century in Indore, achieving a career-high rating that pushed him closer to the pinnacle of ODI batting prowess.
As the dust settled on the latest rankings, Gill now boasts a formidable total of 847 rating points, trailing Babar Azam by a mere 10 points. With the highly anticipated men's cricket World Cup on the horizon, tensions are rising, and the battle for supremacy in the batting rankings between Babar and Gill promises to be an epic showdown during the six-week cricketing extravaganza.
For the moment, Babar will retain his top ranking, as Pakistan has no official ODI fixtures before their World Cup opener, and Gill didn't feature in India's final ODI against Australia. But the cricketing world eagerly awaits the thrilling clash between these two batting titans as the World Cup kicks off on October 5.
In the rankings, the gap between the top two and the rest of the pack is substantial. South Africa's power-hitter, Rassie van der Dussen, currently sits third with 743 rating points, more than 100 points adrift of the dynamic duo. Meanwhile, Ireland's rising star, Harry Tector, has ascended to fourth place, achieving a career-high rating, despite rain interruptions affecting much of his side's ODI series against England.
Among other Indian players, Shreyas Iyer, who recently made a comeback to the side, climbed eight places to secure the 30th spot, showcasing his batting prowess. KL Rahul also made strides, ascending six spots to claim the 33rd position following his impressive performances against Australia. On the bowling front, Mohammed Siraj continues to maintain his narrow lead at the top of the list for ODI bowlers, reaffirming his status as a potent force in the cricketing world.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Shubman Gill narrows the gap with Babar Azam in latest ODI rankings, Pakistan captain maintains top position")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}