Image: Shubman Gill has overtaken Babar Azam to become the world’s No 1 ODI batter / © Hindustan Times
Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Shubman Gill has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings, surpassing former Pakistani captain Babar Azam. The 25-year-old Indian opener now has 796 rating points, 23 more than Babar’s 773. This marks the second time in his career that Gill has achieved the top ranking in ODIs.
Gill’s exceptional performance in the recent three-match ODI series against England played a crucial role in India’s 3-0 victory. He scored 87 runs off 96 balls in the first ODI in Nagpur, followed by 60 off 52 balls in the second ODI in Cuttack. In the series decider at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, he delivered a match-winning 112-run knockoff 102 balls, hitting 14 fours and three sixes. His stellar performances earned him the Player of the Series award.
Gill now joins the elite list of Indian batters to have reached the No. 1 ODI ranking, alongside Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. With the Champions Trophy set to begin on February 19, Indian fans and the team management will be hoping he continues his dominant form to help India secure their third title in the tournament’s history.