Kohli and Ajmal top ODI rankings

Monday, 4 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Virat Kohli’s outstanding form in one-dayers has lifted him to the top of the ICC batting rankings in ODIs, the first time he has reached No. 1. Saeed Ajmal reclaimed his crown in the bowling charts, jumping up two places to displace Ravindra Jadeja. The other major change in the batting top ten was the rise of Australia captain George Bailey to No. 3, up six places after a series in which he made 478 runs at an average of 95.60 in six innings. The other big gainer in the bowling top ten is South Africa’s Morne Morkel, who also climbed six spots to reach No. 7.

India’s openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, both of whom were in form against Australia, have also risen sharply in the rankings. Rohit, who broke the record aggregate for a bilateral series with 491 runs, has leapt 25 spots to a career-best 15th place, while Dhawan, who is enjoying a golden 2013, has moved up to 12 places to be No. 11. With MS Dhoni at No. 6 and Suresh Raina 19th, India have five batsmen in the top 20.