The elite 6 – Every year-end No. 1 ODI batter since 2008

Jonhenry Wilson 08 Aug 2026

Perhaps Babar Azam is a better ODI batter than Rohit Sharma after all?

As we all know the ICC ranks its member nations and their players across all formats. As it stands India are the top ranked ODI cricket side, England are top in T20I, and Australia top the Test rankings.

Players are tracked and ranked as batsmen, bowlers and allrounders. As each game is completed the rankings are updated and positions shift and it’s safe to say that there is a considerable amount of up and down on the rankings.

But what is fascinating, is that if you put a stick in the ground, and you use the year end as a marker, then since 2008, only six players have been top of the ICC ODI batting rankings.

Let’s take a moment to look back over the last 18 years to see the players who have dominated the rankings and been top at the end of each calendar year.

1. MS Dhoni (India): Two years (2008, 2009)

The legendary wicketkeeper and finisher supreme ruled the fifty over format at the start of this era, holding the coveted top spot at the conclusion of both 2008 and 2009.

Finishing his ODI career with a remarkable batting average of 50.57, Dhoni was universally famous for his ice-cold demeanour under extreme pressure and his unparalleled ability to calculate successful run chases.

A standout knock from his reign was his masterclass 101 not out against Sri Lanka in 2010, which perfectly highlighted his clinical finishing ability – and his unique ability to remain undefeated.

2. Hashim Amla (South Africa): Three years (2010-2012)

The elegant South Africa opener took control of the rankings for three consecutive years from 2010 through 2012. He maintained a stellar career ODI average of 49.46 and became the fastest batsman to reach multiple milestone aggregates in cricket history.

His immaculate consistency at the top of the order provided South Africa with a rock-solid platform, beautifully illustrated by his spectacular 150 against England at Southampton in 2012.

3. AB de Villiers (South Africa): Four years (2013-2016)

Affectionately known as Mr 360, this genius batsman dominated the global standings for four consecutive calendar years between 2013 and 2016. De Villiers possessed an extraordinary career average of 53.50 and completely reinvented limited overs batting.

His defining moment at number one was smashing the world record for the fastest ODI century, blistering 149 runs off just 44 balls against the West Indies in 2015.

Also read: When will India let go of Gautam Gambhir?

4. Virat Kohli (India): Four years (2017-2020)

The modern maestro took the baton from De Villiers and enjoyed a phenomenal four year run at the absolute peak from 2017 to 2020. Kohli maintained an astonishing batting average of 58.07, elevating run chasing to an art form.

His relentless hunger for centuries solidified his status as an all-time great, emphasized by his magnificent 160 not out against South Africa in Cape Town in 2018.

5. Babar Azam (Pakistan): Three years (2021-23)

The Pakistani superstar disrupted the Indian and South African duopoly by finishing at the peak for consecutive years spanning 2021 to 2023. Carrying an impressive ODI batting average of 56.72, Babar provided his team with world class stability.

His masterclass 158 against England at Birmingham remains a signature standout performance during his prolonged peak.

6. Rohit Sharma (India): One year (2025)

The current Indian captain and explosive opening batsman earned his spot at the pinnacle by finishing as the top ranked ODI batter for the calendar year of 2025.

Famously known as the Hitman, Rohit pairs a magnificent 49.12 average with an elite ability to destroy bowling attacks for India.

His elite pedigree was perfectly demonstrated by his brutal 131 against Afghanistan, proving that his world class ability remains permanent at the highest level of international cricket.