Shubman Gill Nears Ousting Babar Azam: ODI Batters Rankings Showdown

25 OCT, (VNI) Babar Azam, the Pakistan skipper, has experienced a notable dip of 829 rating points despite his commendable performance of 157 runs across five innings in the ongoing Cricket World Cup.

Shubman Gill of India is steadily approaching to challenge Babar's leading position in the ODI Batting Rankings. The gap now stands at a mere six rating points. Gill, in splendid form, has amassed 95 runs from just three matches, elevating his rating points to 823, buoyed by a stellar knock of 53 against Bangladesh in Pune.

Yet, Gill is not the lone contender in the race for the top spot. South Africa's in-form opener Quinton de Kock is also within striking distance of the Pakistani skipper. De Kock currently secures the third spot in the ODI batters rankings after a remarkable start in the World Cup, wherein he notched up three astounding centuries.

De Kock's teammate Heinrich Klaasen has made a significant leap, climbing seven places to secure the fourth spot, attaining a career-high rating. Meanwhile, the experienced duo of Virat Kohli (ascending three spots) and David Warner (climbing two spots) now jointly hold the fifth place in the rankings, showcasing commendable performances in India.

A reliable middle-order batter, Daryl Mitchell, has also surged ahead, making a substantial move of 16 places to secure the 13th position overall, courtesy of his 268 runs across four innings in the World Cup.

Turning to the ODI bowler rankings, Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood maintains a slim lead at the helm. Nevertheless, several formidable contenders are vying to surpass him. India's fast bowler, Mohammed Siraj, has advanced one spot to secure the second position after claiming six wickets from five appearances in the World Cup.

Keshav Maharaj, the spinner from South Africa, has elevated himself by two places to clinch the third position, also attaining a new career-high rating following his seven-wicket haul in the tournament.

Among other notable advancements, Afghanistan's seasoned cricketer, Mohammad Nabi, has risen by four places to secure the sixth position, while Australia's spinner Adam Zampa has made a notable move of four places to secure the seventh spot in the top 10.

In the domain of all-rounders, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan maintains his position at the forefront of the ODI rankings. Meanwhile, South Africa's Marco Jansen stands as the most notable gainer, leaping an impressive 23 places to jointly hold the 11th spot alongside Scotland's Michael Leask.