The ICC recently updated their rankings across all three formats of the sport. India remained second in the Test standings behind Australia, while they topped the T20 placings, which is a good sign heading into the T20 World Cup later this year.
India have reinforced the view that they remain committed to Test cricket, despite their success in limited overs action in the last few years. Their results over the last 24 months confirm that, as they have performed well in the five-day game, rising from fifth place at the start of 2022 to second spot.
In their last 23 Test matches, India have gained 2,736 points. It leaves them with a rating of 119. Rivals Australia have picked up 2,439 points, which has them rated at 128, nine points ahead of India.
Results over the next six months are going to prove crucial if India are to overtake Australia at the head of the ICC Test rankings in the sport.
Runner-Up Spot in World Test Championship
India reached the final of the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021. They topped the standings after winning five of their six series in the competition. Wins came over West Indies, South Africa, Bangladesh, Australia and England between 2019 and 2021.
In total, India played 17 matches and they prevailed in 12 of those. It left them with an impressive strike rate of 72.7%. Their only series defeat came in New Zealand, where they were beaten in Wellington and Christchurch.
The final of the new competition was held at the Ageas Rose Bowl in England. India batted first and made 217 in their first innings. They were then bowled out for 170. The Kiwis scored 249 in their first innings, which means their 140/2 was enough to seal an eight-wicket success in the second innings.
India have made a good start to the 2021-23 World Test Championship. They have had victories over New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Their sole defeat to date came against South Africa where they were beaten 2-1.
Sharma to Lead Team Until New Captain Found
Rohit Sharma has taken over the captaincy in all three formats of the game from Virat Kohli, who stepped down at the start of the year. Given he was the vice-captain of the national team, and often stood in for Kohli, it has been a seamless transition.
Sharma is a respected senior member of the national team. The results he has picked up in the early stages of the role suggest the players are enjoying playing for the talented batsman.
One of the priorities this year for Sharma will be the T20 World Cup in Australia. As of the 8th May, India are the +275 favorites in the cricket odds for the tournament. Only once have India been able to lift the trophy, which is a surprise given how much depth they have in the T20 game thanks to the Indian Premier League.
As well as the T20 World Cup, Sharma will be hoping to prove he has the skills required to help his side prevail in the longer game. They are set to meet England in a single Test match in July. Later in the year, they will also host Australia for four Test matches. The results of those games are going to prove crucial for the ICC Test rankings.
Experience in County Championship
India’s Test players have often opted to gain some experience in the County Championship in England over the years. This has helped many of them in Test cricket, especially in conditions like the pitches in England.
Cheteshwar Pujara, who averages 43.88 with the bat in Test cricket, has signed to play for Sussex. He has previously played for Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire as their overseas player. His home matches will come at the Country Cricket Ground in Hove this year.
Pujara is unlikely to be the only Indian overseas player in the County Championship in 2022. Due to international commitments, players tend to sign short-term deals with the counties. Some of Pujara’s international teammates may join him in England later in the season, replacing outgoing players.
The future of India’s Test team remains very positive. They have a lot of talent with the bat and ball. If they do get back to the top of the ICC Test rankings, it will show the world how much Test cricket still means to the country.
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