Indian cricket fans are celebrating a historic moment! Team India has ascended to the pinnacle of the ICC rankings in all three major formats: Test Matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). This comes after their impressive five-match series 4-1 win against England in a five-match Test series and claiming the top spot in the ICC Test rankings, overtaking Australia.
Dominating the Test Arena
India currently sits on top of the ICC Test rankings, boasting a 291-point lead over its closest competitor, Australia. This signifies their position as the strongest Test team globally. Test matches, the longest format of cricket, are tiring battles spanning several days, demanding exceptional skills and endurance from players. As of 11 March 2024, India ranks no.1 scoring 4636 points in 38 matches with a rating of 122, while Australia, currently at no.2 has amassed 4345 points in 37 matches with a rating of 117 and England at no.3 has amassed 5443 points in 49 matches with a rating of 111.
ODI Toppers
India’s reign extends beyond Test cricket. They also hold the top spot in the ODI rankings as well. ODIs are one-day matches with a limited number of overs per team, offering a faster pace compared to Tests. As of now, India stands at the pinnacle with 7020 points with 58 matches and a rating of 121, while Australia follows with 5309 points and 58 matches with a rating of 118. South Africa stands at no.3 with 4062 points for 37 matches with a rating of 110.
T20I Supremacy
Continuing their dominance, India also occupies the No. 1 position in the T20I rankings. T20Is are the shortest and most action-packed format, known for explosive batting displays and nail-biting finishes.
In the T20Is, India has 266 rating and 18867 points, with England at the second spot with 256 rating and 12305 points. Meanwhile Australia stands here at No.3 with 11460 points and 255 rating.
(Checkout the latest WTC 2023-25 Points Table)
Leading the WTC 2023-25 Race
India’s dominance extends beyond the rankings. They are also the frontrunners in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. India’s impressive win rate in the current cycle positions them favorably to reach the WTC finals in June 2025. Rohit’s side remains at the top of the chart even after the result of the second Test between New Zealand and Australia, where Australia won by 3 wickets. This achievement is even more remarkable considering India’s temporary slip in the Test rankings after a drawn series against South Africa. However, their recent resounding victories against England have propelled them back to the top.
India had slipped to fifth place in the WTC points table after losing the first Test of the series against England in Hyderabad, but climbed back up to No. 1 by winning the next three matches. The innings victory in Dharamsala extended their percentage points to 68.51%, having earned 74 out of 108 points after playing nine matches (six wins, two defeats, one draw) in the ongoing WTC cycle.
India was the world No.1 Test side from September 2023 to January 2024, before it slipped to second spot after a drawn away series against South Africa and later Australia overtook India at the top of the Test rankings. Australia are presently second with 62.50% points and New Zealand are third at 50%. With only a Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test series to go before the IPL season begins on March 22, India are set to remain No. 1 for a few months.
This is a golden era for Indian cricket. Team India’s dominance across all formats is a testament to their exceptional talent, strategic brilliance, and consistent performances. As they strive to maintain their lead, all eyes will be on them to see if they can translate their current form into a historic World Test Championship victory in 2025.
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