Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the “Hitman” of Indian cricket, has finally climbed a peak that seemed elusive for years — he has become the No.1 ranked ODI batter in ICC rankings. At 38 years and 182 days, he is now the oldest cricketer in history to achieve this feat, underlining both his longevity and brilliance.
This rise came after his match-winning knocks against Australia, where he scored a fluent 73 in the second ODI followed by a match-defining 121 not out in the third ODI at Sydney. These innings lifted him above Shubman Gill and Ibrahim Zadran, securing him the top ranking for the very first time after century against Australia.
For over a decade, Rohit has been a permanent feature in the top 10 ODI batters, but becoming No.1 marks the pinnacle of his ODI journey. Beyond the numbers, this achievement is a reminder of why Rohit Sharma remains one of the most special players India has ever produced.
Why Rohit Sharma Is a Special Player for Team India?
Rohit Sharma isn’t just consistent — he is extraordinary. No other batter in the world has three double centuries in ODI cricket. His highest score of 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains the highest individual score in ODI history.
These are not ordinary feats; they underline his ability to bat long and dominate bowling attacks like no one else can. Few batters have combined elegance and destructive power the way Rohit does, making him India’s “X-factor” in ODIs.
1. Consistency Like No Other
Consistency is the biggest hallmark of Rohit Sharma’s ODI career. Over 11,000 ODI runs at an average close to 49 showcases remarkable steadiness at the top level. Not many openers in world cricket have survived this long while maintaining such elite numbers, even against Bangladesh.
What makes Rohit stand out is his ability to perform in all conditions. Whether it is batting on the slow, turning tracks of the subcontinent or facing fiery pace in Australia and South Africa, he adapts seamlessly. This consistency across formats and continents has made him India’s most bankable ODI opener since Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly’s era.
2. Big-Match Performer
In modern cricket, pressure often separates good players from legends. Rohit Sharma has consistently delivered in big games, be it bilateral series deciders, Asia Cups, or ICC tournaments.
In the 2019 World Cup, he became the only player in history to score five centuries in a single World Cup edition, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer. More recently, his commanding century in Sydney during the Australia series reaffirmed his reputation as someone who thrives when the stakes are highest.
For India, having a big-match player like Rohit at the top ensures a psychological edge in tournaments.
3. The Mentor and the Leader
Even after stepping away from Test captaincy, Rohit’s leadership continues to influence Indian cricket. Younger players such as Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad look up to him as a mentor.
Rohit has always been a captain’s cricketer. His calm approach, tactical nous, and ability to read situations make him a guiding figure in the dressing room. Leadership is not just about titles, and Rohit demonstrates it through actions, mentorship, and inspiration.
How Rohit Sharma Rules the ODI Charts?
From debuting in 2007 as a middle-order batter to becoming India’s most trusted opener, Rohit has reinvented himself time and again. He adjusted to ODI rule changes, powerplay strategies, and even different batting partners.
Unlike many peers who faded away, Rohit continues to grow stronger with age. His adaptability is why, even at 38, he is at the peak of the ICC rankings — an extraordinary achievement in modern-day cricket.
1. Ranking Surge After Australia Heroics
Rohit Sharma’s rise to No.1 was triggered by his performances in the Australia ODI series (October 2025). His knock of 73 stabilized India after a shaky start, and his unbeaten 121 in Sydney was vintage Rohit — calculated at first, then explosive later.
Even though India lost the series 2-1, Rohit’s impact was undeniable. The ICC rankings reward not just runs but also the match situation, opposition strength, and consistency. His series tally was enough to push him past rivals, marking his historic first climb to the top.
2. Numbers That Dominate
The ODI record book is incomplete without Rohit Sharma’s name:
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11,000+ ODI runs at an average of nearly 49
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33 ODI centuries (among the highest by an Indian)
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3 double centuries (world record)
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264 runs — highest individual ODI score ever
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5 centuries in a single World Cup (2019) — another world record
These numbers aren’t just statistics — they’re milestones that define his dominance. They also ensure that in any ODI era conversation, Rohit is always at the center.
3. Perfect Blend of Patience and Power
Rohit’s batting is built on a rare quality: the ability to pace an innings perfectly. Unlike many aggressive openers who go hard from ball one, Rohit begins carefully, analyzing the conditions and bowlers. Once set, he transitions into destructive mode, often converting starts into mammoth scores.
This blend of patience and power is why Rohit can bat for 40–50 overs, ensuring stability while also piling up runs at a rapid rate. That quality is gold dust in ODI cricket.
Why Rohit Sharma Is Needed for the ODI 2027 World Cup Campaign?
In an era where many teams experiment with aggressive openers, Rohit’s balanced approach of mixing caution with controlled aggression provides the perfect foundation. Without him, India risks losing the balance that has worked so well in ODIs for years.
1. The Anchor at the Top
Every successful World Cup-winning side has had a reliable opener who can anchor the innings. For India in 2011, it was Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir; for Australia in 2015, it was David Warner. In 2027, that anchor must be Rohit Sharma.
Rohit has repeatedly shown that he can bat deep into an innings, often carrying his bat well past 35–40 overs. His style of starting cautiously and then shifting gears is perfect for ODI cricket, where wickets in hand matter as much as the run rate.
On the fast and bouncy pitches of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, where stroke-making isn’t always easy early on, India will need Rohit to blunt the new ball, assess conditions, and build the platform. Once set, he has the power game to accelerate — something few others can do with the same authority.
Without Rohit anchoring, India risks exposing its middle order too early in tough conditions. His presence at the top will give the lineup balance, stability, and confidence.
2. Tournament Specialist
World Cups are not just another ODI series — they are the ultimate stage, and Rohit Sharma has proven he knows how to shine brightest when the spotlight is at its strongest.
In the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, Rohit created history by scoring five centuries in a single edition, a record that still stands unmatched. He ended as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 648 runs. In crunch knockout matches, he has repeatedly provided India with flying starts, making him a tournament specialist.
What sets him apart in global events is his ability to handle pressure calmly. While many players get bogged down by the weight of expectations, Rohit thrives on them. His ability to convert good starts into match-winning hundreds makes him India’s most reliable trump card.
Come 2027, India will once again look to Rohit to deliver those defining innings that can tilt matches — and even entire campaigns — in their favor.
3. Mentorship for the Next Generation
The 2027 Indian ODI squad will likely see the dominance of young talents like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. These players bring flair, aggression, and fearlessness. But in high-pressure situations, especially on the World Cup stage, youthful exuberance often needs the guiding hand of experience.
This is where Rohit’s presence becomes priceless. Having played in multiple ICC tournaments and facing some of the toughest bowling attacks in world cricket, he knows how to handle the highs and lows of such events.
His mentorship will help the next generation understand how to pace an innings, absorb pressure, and remain calm in crunch scenarios. For players like Gill, who are touted as India’s future batting leaders, having Rohit by their side could be the difference between promise and greatness.
4. Experience in Overseas Conditions
The 2027 World Cup, to be co-hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, presents a unique challenge. Unlike subcontinental conditions, where spin plays a big role, African pitches are known for their bounce, seam, and pace. Batting there requires a different technique and temperament.
Rohit Sharma has played extensively in these regions, both in international cricket and leagues. He knows how to leave balls outside off-stump, how to counter short-pitched deliveries, and when to attack the seamers. His adaptability allows him to remain effective even against world-class fast bowlers like Kagiso Rabada, Mitchell Starc, or Shaheen Afridi.
For a largely young Indian batting unit, his experience will be crucial. He can guide the team on how to survive tricky spells and then capitalize once the ball gets older. Having a batter of Rohit’s calibre at the top will give India a significant advantage in those challenging conditions.
5. Leadership Without the Title
Even if Rohit is not officially India’s ODI captain in 2027, his leadership qualities will remain invaluable. Leadership is not only about strategy but also about influence, calmness, and decision-making in pressure situations.
Rohit has been known as a players’ captain — approachable, calm, and tactical. He is respected in the dressing room, and his presence automatically instills confidence. Even from a non-captain’s role, Rohit will guide field placements, batting approaches, and pressure handling during crucial moments.
For younger players making their World Cup debut, Rohit will be the experienced head who keeps the group grounded and motivated. His leadership without the armband will still be a key factor in India’s campaign.
6. Continuity and Balance
ODI cricket is about structure and balance, and Rohit Sharma represents both. For more than a decade, India has built its opening strategy around him. He has been the constant around whom different partners — Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, and now Shubman Gill — have flourished.
Going into 2027, Rohit’s continuity provides India with stability. He knows how to play the anchor role, when to accelerate, and how to build partnerships. His familiarity with ODI gameplans ensures India’s batting order doesn’t feel unsettled.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s rise to World No.1 ODI batter in 2025 is not just a personal achievement — it is a reminder of his immense value to Indian cricket. As India looks toward the 2027 ICC World Cup, his importance multiplies.
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He is the anchor who can bat deep and stabilize innings in tough conditions.
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He is the tournament specialist whose centuries in global events inspire confidence.
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He is the mentor who will guide the next generation of batters through the pressures of World Cup cricket.
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He brings experience in overseas conditions, where seam and bounce test the best.
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He provides leadership without needing a title, influencing the game with his calm and tactical mind.
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And most importantly, he represents continuity and balance, keeping India’s ODI batting order structured and reliable.
In 2027, India’s young stars may be the ones lighting up the scoreboard, but it is Rohit Sharma’s presence that will hold the team together. His combination of runs, experience, and leadership makes him indispensable.
For India to lift the ODI World Cup in 2027, they will need the calm, class, and unmatched brilliance of their “Hitman” — Rohit Sharma.
