Former India all‑rounder Irfan Pathan sparked fresh cricket debate after taking part in a blind‑ranking challenge on Star Sports India featuring some of the biggest names in modern ODI cricket. Pathan placed Virat Kohli at the top of his list, while three Indian batters occupied the first three positions.
The exercise was part of India’s ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. Pathan was shown the names of eight established international batters one by one and had to assign each player a position from one to eight without seeing the subsequent names.
The format added intrigue because Pathan had to make quick decisions without the chance to revise earlier choices.
Irfan Pathan’s blind ranking of current ODI batters
Pathan’s final list featured a mix of seasoned campaigners and key figures in international cricket.
He placed Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran eighth, followed by Australia’s Travis Head in sixth. Pathan then positioned Rohit Sharma third and Shubman Gill second. New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell was placed fourth, while West Indies captain Shai Hope occupied seventh. England’s Harry Brook received the fifth spot. When Virat Kohli’s name appeared last, Pathan earmarked the top spot for the Indian batting superstar.
Why Virat Kohli finished at No.1
Kohli’s position at the top is hardly surprising given his exceptional ODI record and consistency over the years. The former India captain is known for delivering in high‑pressure situations, especially during run chases.
He has scored 15 190 runs in 320 ODI matches, including 55 centuries and 80 half‑centuries, at an average of 58.64.
Gill’s inclusion at No.2 reflects his rapid rise in the format. He has amassed 3 750 runs in 73 ODIs, averaging 62.50, with 11 centuries and 20 fifties.
Rohit remains one of the most destructive ODI openers of his generation. He has compiled 12 143 runs in 294 matches, featuring 35 hundreds and 63 half‑centuries.
Pathan’s ranking differs from the latest ICC ODI rankings
Pathan’s personal ranking does not completely match the official ICC list. In the ICC men’s ODI batting rankings updated on November 10, 2026, Gill occupies the top position, followed by Mitchell and Kohli. Rohit is fourth, while Zadran is fifth. This highlights the difference between a former player’s assessment of current batting quality and a statistical ranking based on performances.
Pathan’s challenge has therefore offered fans another talking point, especially with Kohli, Gill and Rohit occupying the top three places in his selection.
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