Shubman Gill was named the world’s number one hitter in the ICC One-Day International Rankings earlier today (November 8). Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, lost his position after dominating the ODI batting rankings for almost two years.
When Azam overthrew Virat Kohli in April 2021, he became the new number one. The Pakistan captain’s recent performances have dipped, whilst Shubman Gill has been unstoppable in the 50-over format. Today, Gill surpassed Azam in the rankings.
The Pakistan skipper was at the helm for 952 days, although he is not among the top five hitters in ODI history with the most days as the world number one.
Check out the exclusive list below.
5. Michael Bevan – 1392 days
During his career, former Australian batter Michael Bevan held the top spot for 1392 days. Notably, Bevan retained the top spot for 1392 days in a row.
On January 22, 1999, the left-handed hitter was ranked first. Bevan kept the top rank in the 50-over format due to his regular results until July 3, 2002. He was a major match-winner for the Australian cricket squad.
4. AB de Villiers – 1480 days
Former South African captain AB de Villiers was known for annihilating opposing bowling lineups with his 360-degree hitting abilities. Mr. 360, as he was known, would score runs at an astonishing rate for South Africa.
AB De Villiers was the number one performer for 1480 days due to his steady performance. 2018 saw his retirement from the Australian cricket team at the height of his career.
3. Virat Kohli – 1493 days
Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers’ close friend and former Royal Challengers Bangalore colleague, ranks third on this list. Virat Kohli has previously held the global number one position in the ICC ODI Rankings.
Virat Kohli has been in first place for 1493 days, only 13 more than fourth-placed de Villiers. It is worth noting that 1258 of the 1483 days were continuous from October 22, 2017 to April 1, 2021.
2. Viv Richards – 1748 days
Former West Indies hitter Viv Richards holds the global record for most consecutive days at the top of the ICC ODI Rankings. During the zenith of his career, he led the batting rankings for 1748 days.
From January 8, 1984 to October 20, 1988, all 1748 days were consecutive. He tortured practically every bowling unit he faced, as seen by his record.
1. Brian Lara – 2104 days
Former West Indies captain Brian Lara holds the all-time record for the most days spent at the top of the ICC ODI Rankings for hitters. Only the Caribbean great has spent more than 2000 days at the top.
From March 9, 1996 to January 21, 1999, 1049 of the 2104 days were continuous. He last appeared in an ODI in 2007. After sixteen years, no batter has come close to breaking his mark.
