'Ultimate ambition and goal is to lead the Test rankings' - Babar Azam after bagging the top slot in ODI batsmen's rankings

After holding on to the No. 1 position in ICC ODI rankings for 1258 days, Virat Kohli has finally been dethroned by Babar Azam. The Pakistan captain became the fourth batsman from his country to have claimed the summit position in the ICC ODI rankings. Having previously held the position in the T20I rankings, Azam claimed the top position in the ODI rankings on the back of some brilliant batting performances in the series in South Africa. 

The 26-year-old batsman is now ahead of Virat Kohli (857 points) by just eight rating points. Indian batsman Rohit Sharma is at the third position with 825 points to his name on a list which is now led by Azam with 865 points. After dethroning Kohli, Azam spoke in an interaction on Wednesday. 

In an official statement released by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Babar revealed that his ultimate goal is to lead the batting charts in the longest form of the game, that is, Test cricket. He noted for that to happen he needs to score more consistently and against top-quality teams. Azam is squeezed between Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant in the Test rankings at the sixth position. 

I will not only have to perform consistently but more importantly, against the top sides: Babar Azam

“I have also previously topped the T20I rankings, but the ultimate ambition and goal is to lead the Test rankings, which are the real testament and reward to a batsman’s calibre, reputation, and skills. Also, I understand to achieve this objective, I will not only have to perform consistently but more importantly, against the top sides,” Azam said. 

Babar also became only the fourth Pakistani batsman after Mohammad Yousuf, Javed Miandad, and Zaheer Abbas to gain this prime position. Interestingly, Kohli held the no.1 position for 1258 days, which is one day less than what Michael Bevan did. Sir Vivian Richards remains the batsman with the most number of days as the no.1 in ODI rankings, having held the position for 1748 days. 

“This is another milestone in my career, which will now require even more hard work and absolute consistency with the bat in order for me to hold on to the ranking for an extended period of time, like Sir Vivian Richards from January 1984 to October 1988 and Virat Kohli for 1,258 days”, Babar concluded.

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