Babar Azam on verge of losing top spot in ODI Player Rankings

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is on the verge of danger of dropping down in the Men's ODI Player Rankings after the latest update on Wednesday.

Babar's lead at the top of the ODI Batting Rankings has been cut down to just six rating points, with India's Shubman Gill being the top contender to replace him at the summit.

"Babar drops to a total of 829 rating points despite having amassed 157 runs from five innings so far at the Cricket World Cup, with his most recent effort a fighting 74 in a losing side against Afghanistan in Chennai," the ICC said in an official statement.

"Gill has 95 runs from just three matches for India, with the right-hander improving to 823 rating points on the back of his standout innings of 53 against Bangladesh in Pune.

"The India opener isn't the only player to make inroads on Babar, with in-form South African Quinton de Kock within striking distance in third place on the rankings for ODI batters following a superb start to the World Cup that has seen him score three magnificent centuries," the statement read.

Meanwhile, South Africa teammate Heinrich Klaasen, rising seven places to fourth and a new career-high rating, also makes good ground, while experienced duo Virat Kohli — improving three spots, and David Warner — improving two spots, share fifth place on the rankings after some good performances in India.

In the ODI bowlers rankings, Australia's pacer Josh Hazlewood maintains a narrow lead at the top but Indian speedster Mohammed Siraj (up one place to second) is among the challengers looking to overtake him after picking up six wickets from five appearances at the World Cup.

South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj rose two sports to third and a new career-high rating following his seven wickets at the mega event thus far, while Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi (up four places to sixth) and Australia tweaker Adam Zampa (up four places to seventh) are also in the top 10.