Virat Kohli chases Rohit Sharma in latest ICC ODI Rankings for batters; Indian star reaps rewards for show against SA

Virat Kohli closed in fellow Rohit Sharma as the International Cricket Council (ICC) released the updated ODI Rankings for batters on Wednesday. Kohli, who now plays only one format after having retired from Tests and T20Is, scored 302 runs in three matches for India, including two back-to-back hundreds in a recently concluded series against South Africa at home which India won 2-1.

Following his batting heroics, Kohli jumped two spots to be placed behind no.1 ranked Rohit at the second position. The 37-year-old was also adjudged Player of the Series for his show.

On the other hand, Rohit consolidated his position with 146 runs in three innings, including two half-centuries. Only eight rating points differentiate between Rohit and Kohli. Besides Kohli and Rohit, wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul also gained two spots to be at 12th overall.

Among the bowlers, left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav was the biggest gainer in the latest ICC ODI Rankings for bowlers. Kuldeep, who finished as the highest wicket-taker with nine scalps, rose to three spots to third.