ICC T20I Rankings: India claim top spot after 6 years
Rohit Sharma-led India on Monday became the top-ranked team in the ICC Men's T20I Rankings. India claimed the top spot in the T20Is after six years by displacing England, which had 269 rating points. England have now been pushed down to the second spot. India achieved the feat after they blanked Kieron Pollard-led West Indies in three-match T20I series 3-0.
Why does this story matter?
India previously held the number one spot in T20I rankings in 2016 under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. India had retained the top spot from February 12, 2016 to May 3, 2016. It must be noted that India are unbeaten in their last nine games, which also includes clean-sweeps over New Zealand and West Indies, in the format.
ICC Men's T20I Rankings
India's whitewash of West Indies helped them in matching England's top rating of 269 across 39 games. However, India (10,484) are occupying the number one spot as they are ten points ahead of England (10,474). Pakistan are sitting at the third spot in ICC Men's T20I Rankings with a rating of 266. They are followed by New Zealand (255) and South Africa (253).
Australia remain static at 6th spot
The reigning T20 World Champions Australia remain at the sixth spot with a rating of 249, despite their 4-1 series win over Sri Lanka. West Indies (235), Afghanistan (232), and Sri Lanka (rating of 231 in 34 games) are placed at the seventh, eighth, and ninth spot, respectively. Bangladesh are placed at the tenth spot with a rating of 231 in 37 games.
What's next for Team India?
After blanking West Indies in three-match ODIs and as many T20Is, India will next play host to Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series. The tournament opener will be played in Lucknow on February 24. The remaining two contests are scheduled to take place in Dharamshala on February 26 and 27, respectively. The T20I series will be followed by a two-match Test series.
