Dubai: In the latest annual update released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday, India has maintained its position at the top of the men’s One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) rankings. However, in Test rankings, Australia has surged to the pole position, pushing India to the second spot.
The ICC update for Test rankings reflects results from series completed since May 2021, with the 2020-21 season results dropped. With their recent triumph in the World Test Championship, Australia now leads the table with 124 rating points, overtaking India, who are just four points behind. England follows in third place, with South Africa close behind in fourth.
India’s slip in the Test rankings is primarily attributed to their series win in Australia in 2020-21, which has dropped from the rankings. The order of teams ranked from third to ninth remains unchanged, with Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe yet to play sufficient Tests to be ranked.
In ODI rankings, India maintains their lead despite losing the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup final to Australia. India’s lead over Australia has increased from three to six points, with no changes in the top 10 positions. South Africa has closed the gap with Australia, while Ireland has overtaken Zimbabwe to claim the 11th position.
In T20I rankings, India continues to dominate with 264 rating points, followed by Australia and England. South Africa has surged ahead to the fourth position, with New Zealand and the West Indies trailing closely behind.
Several countries have witnessed movements in the T20I rankings, with Pakistan dropping to seventh place and Scotland overtaking Zimbabwe to claim the 12th position. Notable rating gains have been achieved by Spain, the Isle of Man, and Switzerland.
Overall, 86 countries have played at least eight T20Is in the past three years and earned a ranking. Six countries are not ranked, with Greece, Mexico, Myanmar, and Turkey set to be ranked after their next match, while Belize and Cook Island await ranking after playing two more matches.