In a momentous cricketing achievement, India’s triumph over Australia in the inaugural ODI match at Mohali has propelled them to the pinnacle of the ICC ODI team rankings. This achievement solidifies India’s standing as only the second team in the history of cricket to hold the top position in all three formats simultaneously.
The leadership position in ODI rankings has been in a state of flux in recent weeks, with Pakistan and Australia both occupying the top spot at various junctures. India, despite securing victory in the Asia Cup, commenced the three-match series against the Australians trailing Pakistan in the rankings. However, their resounding victory in the first encounter catapulted them to a total of 116 points, one point ahead of their perennial rivals.
While India may not have clinched the coveted title in the inaugural two editions of the World Test Championship, succumbing to New Zealand and subsequently Australia, they have managed to maintain a slender lead over the latter in the ICC Test team rankings. Furthermore, India currently reign supreme in the T20I rankings, a remarkable achievement given their relative lack of success in ICC T20 World Cups.
India’s ascent to becoming the second team in cricket history to simultaneously hold the number one position in all three formats follows in the footsteps of South Africa, who accomplished this extraordinary feat when they wrested the Test mace from England’s grasp in August 2012.
It’s worth noting that earlier this year, India appeared to have achieved this distinction briefly, with the ICC website briefly listing them as the top-ranked Test side before swiftly updating to display Australia in the coveted spot. This momentary lapse was attributed to a technical glitch, and India’s current top-ranking status in all three formats stands unblemished by such anomalies.
India’s triumphant journey to secure their top-ranking status in ODI cricket unfolded as a routine affair. Mohammed Shami’s stellar performance, amassing five crucial wickets, thwarted Australia’s efforts as they were held to a modest total of 276. Subsequent half-centuries by Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav cemented India’s resounding victory.
