For more than a decade, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been the pillars of Indian cricket, dominating international stages with their remarkable consistency. So when fans noticed that both names had disappeared from the latest ICC ODI Rankings, the cricketing world went into a frenzy. Social media was flooded with speculation, with many wondering if the two modern greats had silently stepped away from ODI cricket. But before panic takes over, let’s understand what exactly happened and why the entire episode was a major misunderstanding.
The Sudden Shock: Kohli and Rohit Missing From ICC ODI Rankings
On August 20, 2025, fans who checked the updated ICC ODI batting rankings were left baffled. Both Rohit Sharma, who had been comfortably sitting at No. 2, and Virat Kohli, usually placed at No. 4, were nowhere to be found. Their names were not even in the top 100, which seemed almost unthinkable given their legendary ODI records.
This unusual disappearance triggered immediate discussions. Has Rohit Sharma retired from ODIs? Did Virat Kohli end his glorious ODI journey? Why would ICC drop two of the biggest superstars from their official rankings overnight? These were some of the burning questions fans and experts started asking.
Social Media Explodes With Retirement Rumors
Within minutes, Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram were filled with trending hashtags like #Kohli, #RohitSharma, and #Retirement. Many assumed that the two batting icons had made a quiet decision to leave ODI cricket, especially since both have already crossed their mid-30s.
Some fans even shared emotional tributes, believing this was the end of an era. Others criticized ICC for “disrespecting legends” by removing their names. Clearly, the incident had created a storm of confusion and worry across the cricket fraternity.
ICC Clarification: The Real Truth Behind The Glitch
Amid rising speculation, the International Cricket Council (ICC) quickly stepped in to clear the air. The governing body issued a statement confirming that the disappearance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the ODI rankings was due to a technical glitch in their system, not because of retirement or rule changes.
In simpler words: neither player was dropped intentionally, nor had they retired. It was a system error that mistakenly removed their names from the chart. ICC assured fans that the issue was resolved and both stars were restored to their rightful positions in the rankings.
Rankings Restored: Where Do Rohit and Kohli Stand Now?
Once the glitch was fixed, the rankings returned to normal:
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- Rohit Sharma regained his spot at No. 2 in the ODI batting rankings.
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- Virat Kohli was reinstated at No. 4, reaffirming his status as one of the best ODI batsmen in the world.
The correction also meant that other players, including Babar Azam, who had temporarily climbed up due to the glitch, were pushed back to their actual standings.
Why Did Fans Believe Retirement Rumors So Easily?
There are a few reasons why the internet so quickly jumped to the conclusion of retirement:
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- Age Factor – Both players are in their mid-30s. Retirement talks around them have been ongoing for the past year.
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- Recent Team Transitions – With younger players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad making their mark, some fans assumed the seniors might step aside.
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- Sudden Disappearance – The fact that both names vanished at once, instead of slipping down slowly, gave the impression of a big decision being taken.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Still Vital For India
The clarification has reassured fans that Rohit Sharma ODI ranking and Virat Kohli ODI ranking remain among the best in the world. Both cricketers continue to be key figures in India’s ODI setup.
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- Rohit Sharma, popularly known as the “Hitman,” has been in sublime form in recent years, consistently giving India strong starts at the top.
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- Virat Kohli, often referred to as the “Chase Master,” remains the backbone of the Indian batting lineup, with a record number of successful run chases under his belt.
Together, their presence ensures balance and experience in a squad that is increasingly looking towards the future.
Lessons From The Episode
The ICC glitch and the retirement panic highlight the power of digital updates in cricket today. Rankings play a huge role in shaping narratives, and any error can quickly spiral into widespread rumors. It also shows how emotionally invested fans are in the careers of legends like Kohli and Rohit.
For younger players, this was also a reminder of how high the bar has been set by these two icons. For fans, it was a scare they won’t forget soon.
Conclusion: No Retirement, Just A Glitch
To sum it up clearly:
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- Rohit Sharma ODI ranking: Back at No. 2
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- Virat Kohli ODI ranking: Back at No. 4
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- Retirement rumors: False
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- Cause of disappearance: Technical error on ICC’s website
The cricket world can breathe easy—both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are still very much part of the ODI setup. Their disappearance from the rankings was nothing more than a temporary hiccup.
As India gears up for upcoming tournaments, fans can continue to enjoy the brilliance of these two legends who have carried Indian cricket for over a decade.
