Team India's Dominance in ICC Rankings Ahead of World Cup
In the lead-up to the ODI World Cup, Team India has showcased exceptional prowess. They are currently engaged in a three-match series against Australia, having already secured a 2-0 lead in the series. Both ODIs played so far have been of immense significance, bolstering India's preparations for the World Cup.
India has achieved a remarkable feat by securing the top-ranked position in all three formats of the game. They had previously conquered the T20I and Test rankings, and their recent victory in the 1st ODI against Australia in Mohali sealed their dominance in the ODI format as well. India has now become only the second team after South Africa in August 2012 to achieve the distinction of being the top-ranked team in all three formats.
Currently, India occupies the pinnacle of the rankings with 117 rating points, followed closely by Pakistan with 115 points. Australia, on the other hand, has slipped to the third position with 110 points.
To maintain their top position, India needed to win at least the second ODI against Australia, and they did so convincingly. The match took place at the Indore Cricket Stadium, notorious for being a nightmare for bowlers. In this high-scoring encounter, India exhibited an outstanding all-round performance. Opting to bat first, Indian batsmen dominated from the outset, with Shubman Gill (104) and Shreyas Iyer (105) forging a brilliant 200-run partnership to lay a solid foundation. Subsequent contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (72*), KL Rahul (52), and Ishan Kishan (31) propelled India to a formidable total of 399/5.
Suryakumar Yadav's half-century came off just 24 balls, setting a new record for the fastest fifty by an Indian player against Australia. This total marked India's highest-ever score against Australia.
Australia, in response, lost early wickets to Prasidh Krishna. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings, and a rain interruption led to a revised target of 317 runs off 33 overs. However, Australia fell short, and India clinched the series 2-0.
As we assess the current scenario, the Indian cricket team is poised to sit atop the ICC rankings with no T20Is or Test matches scheduled before the World Cup. Their commanding 2-0 lead in the ongoing series against Australia solidifies their position. The recent victory serves as the final touch, ensuring that the Men in Blue will enter the ODI World Cup as the premier team in all formats of cricket.