Pakistani captain Babar Azam overthrew Virat Kohli on Wednesday (April 14th) as ODI batsman No. 1, ending a long reign.
Pakistani captain Babar Azam. (Reuters Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Babar Azam redesigned Virat Kohli to take first place in the ICC ODI ranking
- Babar was the fastest international male cricketer, scoring 13 ODI hundreds this month
- The 26-year-old is only the 4th Pakistani batsman to take the top spot
Pakistani captain Babar Azam revamped Virat Kohli to take first place in the latest ICC ODI rankings on Wednesday. Babar has ended the Indian captain’s long term tenure at the top of the ICC men’s ODI player rankings.
The 26-year-old is only the fourth batsman from Pakistan to take first place in the ICC ODI ranking.
Earlier this month, he continued his formidable streak in ODIs with another century when his team defeated South Africa in a thriller at the Centurion. Led by Babar Azam’s 13th ODI Hundred, Pakistan won the first ODI against South Africa on the last ball, despite being in the driver’s seat for most of the game.
In doing so, Babar was the fastest international male cricketer, scoring 13 ODI hundreds and passing other great players like Virat Kohli and Hashim Amla.
It took Babar just 76 innings to complete the feat that passed South African star Hashim Amla, who was the fastest so far, scoring his 13th ODI hundred in 83 innings. Indian skipper Virat Kohli got there in 86 innings.
Babar Azam
The Pakistani captain has overtaken Virat Kohli and has recently become the No. 1 batsman @ MRFWorldwide ODI ranking of the ICC men pic.twitter.com/krxoKRDsSY
– ICC (@ICC) April 14, 2021
After being named test captain last year, Babar said he was satisfied with the comparisons made with the best players of his generation and was also aware of his status in international cricket.
However, the cross-format Pakistani skipper has set the standard and continues to challenge his own achievements, knowing that his primary responsibility is to win games for Pakistan.
“I know. It feels good that you are being compared to some very good players in the game. My attitude is that I challenge myself. I set goals. I set standards. I have to win games for Pakistan. And games win who help the team.
Comparisons with great players also help you set goals that are in line with those of the great players. Obviously, when your name is in the top 5 in the world, that’s a nice feeling. It also means that you must continue to adhere to these standards, and this also builds your confidence. I like it, ”said the 26-year-old batsman from Lahore.
“I’ve gained fans with my performances and I also have friends in India. I also have fans in India and I ask them to keep supporting me. To keep supporting me, ”said Babar of his fans in India.
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