Sensational India Series Helps Daryl Mitchell To Topple Virat Kohli In ICC ODI Rankings, New Zealand Star Becomes Top Ranked Batter

Daryl Mitchell propelled New Zealand to their first ODI series victory on Indian soil in the last 37 years. Two centuries in three matches have now helped the 34-year-old to leapfrog Virat Kohli from the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings.

With 845 ranking points, he has now replaced Kohli (795 points), who also showed his admiration for the New Zealand all-rounder. All the focus will now shift to the T20I series followed by the T20 World Cup and Mitchell is expected to play a pivotal part in both events.

Daryl Mitchell Broke A Number Of Records In ODI Series

Mitchell was one of the brightest spots in New Zealand's defining ODI series, and he will happily take his form to the T20 World Cup. Mitchell also became the 4th fastest men's cricketer to 9 ODI tons ever and only Imam-ul-Haq (48), Hashim Amla (52) and Quinton de Kock (53) are ahead of him in the pecking order. He also ended up being the highest scorer of the series and was also adjudged the Man of the Series for accumulating 352 runs in three matches.

Mitchell hasn't recorded an ODI duck so far, the 2nd longest streak in cricket history. He also has the 2nd highest number of ODI centuries against India, only after AB de Villiers.

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India To Host New Zealand In T20I Series

India will now host New Zealand in the first T20I match at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Wednesday. The defending T20 WC champions will face a tough task to keep New Zealand at bay, given their recent form. This series will also serve as a perfect preparation for the cricketing extravaganza, with both teams aiming for that coveted title.

The Men In Blue haven't lost an ODI series since the last T20 World Cup in 2024, and it will be a challenge for Suryakumar Yadav and Co. to keep the blue flag flying high.

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