Why do Shubman Gill and Babar Azam share a social media trend?

On Wednesday, February 19, Pakistan’s Babar Azam and India’s young batting phenom Shubman Gill were making waves on social media as Shubman Gill overtook Babar to take the top spot among batters in the most recent ICC ODI rankings. Many people are discussing and comparing two athletes on social media as a result of this shift at the top of the rankings.

In the ODI format, Gill has established himself as one of India’s reliable hitters. His rankings were significantly impacted by his recent efforts in the ODI series against England. The Punjab batsman won Player of the Series after scoring 259 runs at an average of 86.33, including a century and two half-centuries.

In addition to leading India to a 3-0 series win, his genius enabled him to go up the rankings and overtake the Pakistani batsman. Babar, who had long been at the top, dropped to second place with 773 rating points, while Gill now has 796 points.

There has been a significant shift at the top of the rankings: ICC

The former Pakistani captain has been overthrown by the right-hander before. The young right-hander momentarily grabbed the top spot during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, but the veteran regained it. It’s interesting that the most recent ranking adjustment was made right before the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

“Just before the Champions Trophy begins, there is a significant upheaval at the top of the standings, and it creates an intriguing subplot for what will happen over the next few weeks during the eight-team competition in Pakistan and Dubai.

Shubman Gill has held the top spot in ODI cricket for the second time; halfway through the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the Indian batsman also overtook Babar to take the top slot, according to the ICC.

On social media, Indian fans emphasized Gill’s recent form and game-winning performances, while Pakistani supporters contended that their star batter’s longstanding dominance in the rankings makes him the more complete player.

Additionally, Babar is scheduled to play in the tournament’s opening match against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, while Gill is now getting ready for India’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. On February 23, India and Pakistan, who are in the same group, will face off in Dubai.