New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell regained the top spot in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings after a prolific series against India, scoring 352 runs and leading the visitors to their first-ever ODI series win on Indian soil.
Sunil Gavaskar expressed surprise at New Zealand’s ease in chasing nearly 300 against India in the second ODI at Rajkot, crediting the 150-plus partnership between Will Young and Daryl Mitchell. Gavaskar praised Mitchell’s fitness and commitment, while Simon Doull highlighted his confidence against spin and aggressive stroke play.
New Zealand not only adapted but also executed better than India on a sluggish wicket here at the Niranjan Shah Stadium; Rahul's 112 not out goes invain
Daryl Mitchell has become the first New Zealand player since 1979 to top the ICC ODI batting rankings. The weekly update also features major gains for Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed, South Africa’s Temba Bavuma, and India’s Kuldeep Yadav across formats, according to ICC.
Mitchell was batting on 53 at tea with Ish Sodhi on one as New Zealand added 100 runs to their score in the afternoon session, losing three wickets in the process
Meanwhile, spinner Ajaz Patel will miss the opening Test as he continues to recover from a calf injury. Mitchell Santner will replace the left-arm spinner.
