Indian cricket fans woke up to a shocking update as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the biggest icons of world cricket, were completely removed from the ICC ODI batting rankings. Not just from the top 10, not even the top 50—but entirely outside the top 100.
For players who have dominated ODI cricket for more than a decade, this sudden disappearance from the charts has left fans asking a burning question: Is this the beginning of the end, or just a technical glitch?
Just a week ago, both Kohli and Rohit were sitting comfortably among the top-ranked ODI batters. Shubman Gill led the charts, with Rohit in second place and Kohli in fourth. Their sudden absence from the latest rankings update released on August 19 took everyone by surprise.
Social media quickly erupted, with fans posting memes, emotional tributes, and fiery questions for the ICC. Some feared retirement announcements, while others suspected a data error.
While some fans rushed to conclude that this was the end of Kohli and Rohit’s ODI journey, experts believe this is most likely a technical glitch in the ICC’s ranking system.
Why? Because both players are still active in ODIs. In fact, they were instrumental in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 triumph in the UAE, scoring crucial runs at the top of the order. Rohit is still the ODI captain, and Kohli has shown no indication of retiring from the format.
That’s why analysts believe this sudden disappearance from the rankings is more of a system error than a reflection of reality.
Fans React: From Panic to Frustration
The cricket fraternity took to social media in droves. Hashtags like #KohliRanking and #RohitGone exploded on X, with reactions ranging from humorous to heartbroken:
“End of an era,” lamented one fan,
“Did they retire without telling us?” wondered another.
A Transition Phase in Indian Cricket?
Even though this episode seems more like a technical mistake, it does raise an important point—the changing landscape of Indian cricket.
Both Kohli and Rohit have already stepped away from T20Is and Tests. ODIs are now their last remaining format at the international level. With youngsters like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad making their mark, the day when India will move beyond the Kohli-Rohit era might not be too far away.
The BCCI has clarified that no decision has been made on their ODI futures. For now, both players remain in India’s plans, especially with the Champions Trophy victory fresh in memory.
Whether it’s a technical glitch or a subtle sign of transition, one thing is certain—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s absence from the ICC ODI rankings has created waves across the cricketing world.
Fans may have panicked, but their legacy remains untouchable. These two giants have not only carried Indian cricket on their shoulders for over a decade but also set benchmarks that future generations will aspire to reach.
For now, it’s safe to say—this is not the end. But it might just be the beginning of a new chapter in Indian cricket.
