![Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768408462725_ViratKohliandRohitSharma.jpg?type=hq)
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]
Virat Kohli became the number one ranked ODI batter on the latest ICC rankings by dethroning Rohit Sharma. Rohit himself scaled a major batting milestone through his 23-run knock against New Zealand in the second ODI of the series. In other news, Cricket Canada has named Canada’s squad for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Wednesday, January 14.
Virat Kohli dethrones Rohit Sharma to become number one ODI batter
Indian run machine Virat Kohli dethroned his teammate Rohit Sharma to become the new number one ranked batter in ODI cricket. The legendary cricketer reclaimed his top spot after he guided Team India to a comprehensive win over New Zealand in the first ODI of their three-match series earlier this week. Chasing 301, Virat Kohli punched out a decisive 93 from 91 balls to sustain his prolific run with the bat, which also included 302 runs in three innings against South Africa last month.
As of now, Virat Kohli is sitting on top of the ICC ODI rankings with 785 rating points, i.e., few points clear of second-placed Daryl Mitchell and third-placed Rohit Sharma.
Rohit Sharma completes 7,000 ODI runs in Asia
Legendary Indian opener Rohit Sharma scored 24 from 38 balls against New Zealand in the second ODI match in Rajkot. Through the course of his top-order cameo, the right-hander became only the seventh cricketer in history to complete 7,000 ODI runs in Asia. Rohit Sharma achieved the feat in his 165th ODI appearance in the continent, and has joined the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya and Mahela Jayawardene in an illustrious club.
Pakistan vs Australia T20I series schedule unveiled
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the entire official schedule of Pakistan’s upcoming three-match home T20I series against Australia later this month. The two teams are set to face each other in three T20I matches, and the series will serve as a testing ground for both sides before the impending 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The three T20Is, all set to be hosted by the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, will be played between January 29 and February 1.
Josh Hazlewood on track to join AUS for T20 World Cup 2026
Senior fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is on track to join the Australian squad in time for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month. Earlier, the speedster was ruled out of the entire 2025-26 Ashes series at home owing to a hamstring strain. Josh Hazlewood also picked up an Achilles problem during his rehabilitation.
However, Hazlewood has himself confirmed that he is confident of attaining full recovery for the upcoming T20 World Cup as well as for the subsequent IPL 2026 season, both in India.
Canada name T20 World Cup 2026 squad, Dilpreet Bajwa to lead
Cricket Canada has named a 15-player Canada squad for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Dilpreet Bajwa will continue to serve as Canada captain, and he will be accompanied by the likes of fellow star attractions Nicholas Kirton, Harsh Thaker, Dilon Heyliger and others.
The Canada cricket team is placed in Group D of the tournament alongside Afghanistan, New Zealand, South Africa and the UAE.
