Big blow to India, team slipped to number 3

Team India has suffered another setback after losing 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The International Cricket Council (ICC) released new Test rankings late on January 6, in which India has now dropped out of the top 2. India’s ranking has declined due to South Africa’s spectacular comeback and India’s poor performance in the home series.

India’s decline in ranking

• Current Status:
  India has now slipped to number 3 in the Test rankings.
• South Africa’s lead:
  South Africa has achieved second position after a long time by defeating Pakistan.

ICC Test Ranking:

1. Australia: 126 rating points.
2. South Africa: 112 rating points.
3. India: 109 rating points.

BGT defeat increased problems

The major reason for India’s decline in ranking is the 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

• Already weak performance:
  Even before this defeat, India had lost 3-0 in the home series, which had a heavy impact on the ranking.
• Disadvantages of home defeat:
  Losing at home hurts Test rankings the most, and India suffered the brunt of it.

Position of other teams

• England: Fourth place with 106 rating points.
• New Zealand: Ranked fifth with 96 rating points.
• Sri Lanka: At sixth position with 87 points.
• Pakistan: Seventh position with 83 points.
• West Indies: Ranked eighth with 75 rating points.
• Bangladesh: Ranked ninth with 65 rating points.

WTC Final: Entry of South Africa and Australia

Australia and South Africa also top the points table of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

• Australia: Made it to the finals by finishing first.
• South Africa: Reached the WTC finals by finishing second.