Virat Kohli reclaims No.1 ODI ranking

Dubai, March 9 (IANS) India’s Virat Kohli has reclaimed the No.1 position in the latest ICC rankings for One-Day International (ODI) batsmen released Sunday at the conclusion of the Asia Cup which was won by Sri Lanka.

Kohli had entered the Asia Cup, trailing No.1 ranked AB de Villiers by two points. Kohli’s tournament aggregate of 189 runs in three innings, with 136 against Bangladesh as his series best, earned him 12 points which has put him ahead of South Africa ODI captain by nine points.

Following his knock of 136, Kohli had achieved his career high rating of 886 but finished with 881 points after scores of 48 (against Sri Lanka) and 5 (against Pakistan). Kohli didn’t bat against Afghanistan.

Kohli was last ranked No.1 just before the ODI series against New Zealand in January 2014.

Other Indian batsmen to head in the right direction include Shikhar Dhawan in eighth (up by three places), Rohit Sharma in 22nd (up by one place) and Ravindra Jadeja in 50th (up by 12 places).

Jadeja and Ravichandaran Ashwin are the biggest gainers in the top 20 of the bowlers rankings.

Jadeja earned four places and is now in fifth position after claiming seven wickets in four matches while Ashwin’s nine wickets in the series has given him a lift of seven places that has put him in 14th.

Other big movers include Amit Mishra in 36th (up by five places).

India have been guaranteed to retain their No.2 position in the team rankings at the April 1 cut-off date.

India finished with 113 points, just one ahead of third-ranked Sri Lanka, to walk away with a prize of $75,000. There was no other change in the table with all sides retaining their positions.

Australia were assured of the No.1 ranking in January after India lost their ODI series against New Zealand 0-4. They will receive the ODI shield as well as a cheque of $175,000.

The Asia Cup was the last ODI series before the April 1 cut-off date.