Shubman Gill ascended to the pinnacle of the ODI batting rankings just prior to the commencement of the 2025 Champions Trophy, as the ICC unveiled the latest standings on Wednesday. Gill has overtaken Pakistan's Babar Azam, thereby introducing an intriguing element to the forthcoming clash between the two rivals scheduled for Sunday in Dubai.

Gill regained the top position following a remarkable home series against England earlier this month. He accumulated a total of 259 runs across three innings, with individual scores of 87, 60, and 112, achieving an impressive average of 86.33, which stands as the highest for an Indian batter in that series. This marks the second occasion in Gill's career that he has attained the top ranking, having previously done so during the 2023 ODI World Cup.

The Indian opener secured 796 points to claim the No. 1 ranking, while Babar Azam fell to second place with 773 points. As both players compete in the Champions Trophy, the encounter between India and Pakistan on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium is poised to feature an intense rivalry. Additionally, India’s captain Rohit Sharma, who delivered a spectacular century during the England series, currently occupies the third position, trailing Babar by 22 rating points.

Mahesh Theekshana becomes first-time No. 1

Sri Lanka's spinner Theekshana has ascended to the pinnacle of the ICC men's ODI bowling rankings for the first time in his career, surpassing Afghanistan's Rashid Khan. This achievement follows an impressive series on home turf against Australia. However, he may soon relinquish this position, as Sri Lanka has not qualified for the Champions Trophy, which is expected to occur by the tournament's conclusion.

Rashid Khan is currently trailing Theekshana by a mere 11 points. Additionally, three other spin bowlers are featured in the top 10: Kuldeep Yadav, who has moved up one position to fourth; Keshav Maharaj, who has re-entered the rankings at sixth; and Mitchell Santner, who has advanced four places to seventh. All of these bowlers will be competing in the opening week of the Champions Trophy.

Read Also: Will Pakistan Triumph on Home Turf?

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