Why are Kohli and Sharma out of the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings?
The updated men’s ODI rankings from ICC on Wednesday, 20th August, 2025, saw something strange in the players list. Players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not included in the rankings. Here we are with the question why are Kohli and Sharma out of the ICC men’s ODI rankings?
Kohli and Sharma’s Recent ODI Contributions
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Indian cricket icons, were instrumental in India’s ICC Champions Trophy triumph in February 2025 in the UAE. Rohit delivered a match-winning 76 in the final against New Zealand, securing India’s first ODI ICC trophy in a decade. Kohli, with 218 runs in five matches at an average of 54.50, anchored the innings during the group stages, excelling on the spin-friendly Dubai International Stadium.
Just a week before the August 20, 2025, ICC ODI rankings update, Rohit held the No. 2 spot with 756 points, while Kohli was No. 4 with 736 points, trailing only Shubman Gill (No. 1) and Babar Azam. Their consistent performances in ODIs, despite retiring from Tests and T20Is, underscore their enduring value to India’s 50-over setup, making their sudden removal from the rankings a shocking development for fans and analysts.
Reasons for Rankings Removal
The abrupt exclusion of Kohli and Sharma from the ICC ODI batting rankings, where they no longer feature in the top 100 as of August 20, 2025, is widely attributed to a technical glitch. Both players remain active in ODIs, with their last appearances in March 2025, well within the ICC’s 9-12 month inactivity clause for removal. The ICC has not issued an official statement, fueling speculation of an error or miscommunication.
Social media, with #RohitSharma and #ViratKohli trending on X, reflects fan confusion, with many dismissing retirement rumors given their recent contributions. The rankings now list Shubman Gill at No. 1 and Babar Azam at No. 2, suggesting a system malfunction rather than a performance-based drop. An update is expected to restore their rankings soon.
Future Implications for Both Players
The unexpected removal of Kohli and Sharma from the ICC ODI rankings has sparked concerns about their ODI futures, especially with the 2027 World Cup looming. Despite a BCCI source confirming no discussions on their retirement, reports suggest the team management may not see them in long-term plans, potentially requiring participation in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay in contention.
Their absence from the Asia Cup 2025 squad, alongside other stalwarts like Shreyas Iyer, hints at a possible shift toward younger players like Shubman Gill. However, their pivotal roles in the Champions Trophy and proven adaptability make their exclusion from future squads unlikely unless they choose to retire. The rankings glitch, expected to be corrected, underscores their continued relevance, but they must maintain form to secure spots amid India’s deep talent pool.
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