India’s star-studded batting lineup has experienced a significant downturn in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI player rankings. Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma have all seen their point totals plummet by double digits following a disappointing performance in the first ODI against Australia in Perth. Gill lost 16 points, Iyer dropped 13, Kohli lost 12, and Sharma was down 11 points. This ranking slide underscores the impact of a poor team outing on individual player assessments. The opening match of the series, held at Optus Stadium, was significantly affected by rain, reducing it to a 26-over per side contest. India’s top order struggled immensely, with Gill dismissed early and Kohli registering a rare duck in Australian ODIs. The team could only manage a meager 136/9 in their allotted overs. Australia comfortably chased down the target, securing a seven-wicket victory and highlighting the team’s batting vulnerabilities. This performance, combined with the subsequent ranking demerits, places considerable pressure on the Indian batsmen to regroup and perform in the remaining matches of the series. The rankings serve as a stark reminder that consistent form, especially on challenging tours, is crucial for maintaining a strong position in the global cricket hierarchy. India needs a swift turnaround to avoid further slides.
