Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli missing from ODI Rankings? ICC issues clarification
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has addressed the sudden disappearance of Indian cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the latest ODI batting rankings, which left fans across the globe surprised on Wednesday, August 20. Both stalwarts, known for their consistent performances in the 50-over format, were missing from the updated ICC charts, leading to widespread confusion and curiosity. As soon as the rankings were released, speculation began flooding social media platforms. Fans feared the worst — that perhaps Rohit and Kohli were on the verge of announcing their retirements from ODI cricket. The panic was understandable, considering both players had already stepped away from T20 Internationals and Test cricket earlier in 2025.
ICC gives clarification on Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma missing from the ODI Rankings
Their absence from the rankings only added fuel to the fire, as followers of Indian cricket wondered if this marked the end of an era. However, the ICC clarified that the duo had been removed from the ODI rankings simply due to the technical rule that excludes players who haven't played an ODI in the past 12 months. Since neither Rohit nor Kohli has featured in any ODI match since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, they no longer meet the activity criteria to remain ranked. No retirement is confirmed at this stage.
However, much to the relief of Indian cricket fans, the ICC quickly addressed the issue and restored both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the updated ODI rankings. In an official statement, the global governing body clarified that their temporary disappearance from the charts was caused by a technical glitch during the release of the latest update. Alongside the removal of these two big names, the ICC acknowledged that there were a few other inconsistencies in the rankings, which have now been corrected.
The clarification brought an end to the intense wave of speculation that had gripped social media, where many feared that Rohit and Kohli might be stepping away from ODI cricket following their earlier exits from T20Is and Tests. With the error now fixed, it is clear that both players remain active and are very much part of India’s long-term ODI plans.
As two of the format’s most iconic batters, Rohit and Kohli continue to hold significant value in India’s white-ball setup. The prompt clarification from the ICC helped ease fan concerns and reaffirmed that no decisions regarding the ODI futures of the two legends have been made.
"A number of issues in this week’s rankings are currently being investigated," said the ICC.
Rohit Sharma is currently placed second in the ICC ODI batting rankings, while Virat Kohli holds the fourth position. Both players remain among the most consistent performers in the 50-over format. The two Indian stalwarts were last seen on the field during the IPL 2025 season, where they represented their respective franchises — Rohit led the Mumbai Indians (MI), and Kohli turned out for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). While Rohit’s campaign ended in disappointment as MI were eliminated in the second qualifier, Kohli had a historic season. The veteran batter finally lifted his maiden IPL trophy as RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final. Kohli’s long wait for an IPL title came to an end, bringing immense joy to fans across the country.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last featured for India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy held in Dubai, where their contributions were crucial in helping India secure its first ICC ODI title since 2013 that was a massive cricket update. Rohit, who currently leads the Indian ODI side, played a captain’s knock in the final against New Zealand, scoring a composed 76 off 83 deliveries and earning the Player of the Match award. Kohli, known for his consistency in big tournaments, finished the competition as India’s fifth-highest run-getter. He accumulated 218 runs in the tournament at an impressive average of 54.50, striking at 82.88 — underlining his importance in pressure situations.
The iconic duo had already bid farewell to T20 Internationals after India’s victorious campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup and followed it up with retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, just ahead of the England tour. Despite stepping away from two formats, both players remain vital to India’s ODI plans going forward. India’s next ODI series is set to begin on October 19 against Australia in a three-match contest. With major tournaments on the horizon, both Rohit and Kohli are expected to return to action, continuing to guide the team with their experience and leadership.
