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What is the path India took to be No.1?
This is the fourth time since 2003 that India have been on the top spot. Their longest stint at the top lasted almost two years when they were No.1 from November 2009 to August 2011. Over the last one year or so, Virat Kohli’s men have been there or thereabouts. India defeated South Africa at home, and Sri Lanka and West Indies away before the two wins over New Zealand. They have not lost a Test since the Galle Test against Sri Lanka in August 2015. They were No.1 for a short period in January 2016, after England won in South Africa, before Australia displaced them with a 2-0 series win in New Zealand.
Whom did India displace?
India replaced Pakistan, who became No.1 after a 2-2 series result in England. Australia were knocked off the top perch after a 0-3 debacle in Sri Lanka.
READ: India rise to top of Test rankings with emphatic win at Eden Gardens
How are the rankings calculated?
Matches played over the previous four years are taken into consideration as per the ICC’s ranking system. For the current cycle, matches played from May 2013 to April 2015 carry 50 % weightage, while matches played since then carry 100 % weightage.
READ: In this Test, we built character, says Virat Kohli
How long can India stay on top?
If India avoid defeat in the third Test in Indore, Pakistan cannot reclaim top spot in rankings even if they beat West Indies 3-0 in the UAE. With 11 more Tests to come in the home season against New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia, the odds are stacked in favour of Virat Kohli’s men being No.1 for a considerable period. India have gone 13 consecutive Tests at home without a loss, winning 11 of the last 12 games.
Who are the teams that can challenge India’s reign?
England were the last team to beat India in India — in Kolkata in 2012. They are due to tour later in the season. Also, Pakistan can make another concerted effort to reclaim top spot. The upcoming Australia-South Africa series may also be a factor.
Stay updated with the latest sports news across Cricket, Football, Chess, and more. Catch all the action with real-time live cricket score updates and in-depth coverage of ongoing matches.
