Daryl Mitchell’s ODI ranking rose by one place to become the top-ranked batter in the 50-over format. As a result, Kohli is no longer the finest batter in his most successful format in international cricket. Mitchell has achieved his career-best ranking of 845 to bag the top spot, while Kohli is second with 795 points. Notably, the veteran Indian batter recently reached the summit for the first time since 2021, replacing his teammate Rohit Sharma, due to his consistent form in ODIs. Let’s take a look at how Daryl Mitchell dethroned Virat Kohli to achieve the No.1 ranking batsman in ODI cricket.

Daryl Mitchell’s Recent Performances in ODIs

The rise of Daryl Mitchell in the 50-over format is due to his supreme performances in the India vs New Zealand 2026 ODI series. The right-hander arrived at the No. 4 spot and made the position his own with his terrific run. Mitchell holds a technique to score runs against the spinners as well as the pacers. His batting style is tailor-made for the Indian pitches, which helped him to punish the Indian bowlers.

Back on 🔝

Daryl Mitchell reclaims the No.1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI batter rankings 👏

Read here ➡️ https://t.co/G5NUvcnzLe pic.twitter.com/VQffui8zOw

— ICC (@ICC) January 21, 2026

Daryl Mitchell resurrected the team’s innings with his calm presence in crunch situations. The middle phase witnessed him negotiating the spinners by finding the gaps and using his feet well to accelerate the scoring rate. In particular, he often capitalises on his preconceived mindset to score runs with his straight drives and lofted shots even on good balls.

Here is Latest ODI Rankings

Daryl Mitchell now New No.1 ODI Batter pic.twitter.com/IpVwDCgxnH

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) January 21, 2026

Mitchell amassed 352 runs in three innings at an average of 176, registering scores of 131*, 137 & 84. With optimum patience, he was able to convert his starts into big knocks in the India vs New Zealand 2026 ODI series.

A thorn in India’s plans – Daryl MItchell 🙌 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/e08xgSkoQi

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 18, 2026

Mitchell’s run tally was the highest-ever by a New Zealand batter in a three-match ODI series. Moreover, he stitched a 219-run partnership with Glenn Phillips, which was the second-highest against India in the 50-over format.

Daryl Mitchell stands tall against India again 💯💯👏#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/MqP1ZtLIyL

— Sport360° (@Sport360) January 18, 2026

However, the base for him to achieve the No.1 ranking batsman in ODI was set up in 2025. The year saw him garner 761 runs in 17 games at an average of 54.36, with six fifties and a century. Daryl Mitchell’s ODI ranking got a boost after a strong home season, scoring four fifties and a century against teams like Pakistan and England. He rose to the top for the first time in November 2025, but was overtaken by Rohit Sharma.

Daryl Mitchell eclipses Virat Kohli at the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings 📈 pic.twitter.com/FMY24TZ1Df

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 21, 2026

Notably, Mitchell played a solid hand with his 63-run knock in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against India, as the Black Caps reached a respectable score of 251. Although his knock could not help the side win the title, it helped them to be competitive in a big game.

Daryl Mitchell’s Rise in International Cricket

Daryl Mitchell’s ODI ranking is certainly a reflection of his sublime performances in the format. The India vs New Zealand 2026 ODI series was certainly an extension of his consistency in recent years. Overall, Mitchell has garnered 2,690 runs in 54 innings at an average of 59.47, with nine centuries and 12 fifties. With a quick understanding of the nature of the surface, he has adapted to pitches across many countries.

👑THE NEW NUMBER ONE👑

Daryl Mitchell has dislodged Virat Kohli to regain the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings.

Mitchell was recently named player of the series in India after scoring 352 runs in three games. pic.twitter.com/8bYDVSzlvF

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) January 21, 2026

Meanwhile, Mitchell is a Test and T20I regular for the Kiwi team as well. Making his Test debut in 2019, he has turned out to be a suitable replacement for Ross Taylor. He has so far scored 2,175 runs in 55 innings at an average of 43.50, with five centuries and 15 fifties. In 2022, he accumulated 683 runs at an average of 68.30, which cemented his place in the red-ball side.

The in-form Daryl Mitchell rises to the top of the ICC men’s ODI batting rankings 🔝 pic.twitter.com/DfaNoLaakV

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 21, 2026

The 34-year-old is expected to play a key role for New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup as well. Having achieved success on rank turners in India and Sri Lanka, his contributions will be vital if the Kiwis need to win their maiden title. If Daryl Mitchell continues his consistency across all formats in the coming years, he can achieve a legendary status like Kane Williamson, Brendon McCullum, Trent Boult, and Tim Southee.

Will Daryl Mitchell Take Part in IPL 2026?

Despite being the No.1 ranking batsman in ODIs, Daryl Mitchell won’t participate in IPL 2026. Mitchell entered the mini auction with a base price of INR 2 crore, but didn’t find any takers. Mitchell earlier represented the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022, where he scored 33 runs in two games. He also played for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024. He fared well by scoring 318 runs in 13 games, with two fifties. Depending upon his performances in the T20 World Cup and the rest of the year, Daryl Mitchell can revive his IPL career.