India is giving a Pakistan a run for their money, be it at the borders or the rankings table. India is now the number 1 test team after dislodging Pakistan from the top slot. It was only 13 days ago that Pakistani skipper Misbah-Ul-Haq had guided the team to number one spot after a splendid performance against England.
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India’s Performance
Over the last three years, India has played a total of 29 tests, out of which it has managed to win 12 games. In the same period it has lost 8 matches which brings our win/loss ratio to be 1.5, which is second best to only the Australian team. Pakistan also has a similar win/loss ratio as compared to India over the same period.
India has been consistently performing well at home since the 2012 home series against England where it lost the series 2-1. Since that series India has played 12 Tests at home, winning 11 and drawing one. They are close to unstoppable in Indian conditions. In the present context it seems that team India would be able to hold onto the top spot for a long run as most of it coming matches are in the subcontinent.
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Rank Table
In the ranks table the things are pretty bunched up with none of the team having a decisive lead. Therefore it is expected that the teams swap positions in the short run. Right now, the top ranked team has a score which hovers in the range of 110-115. In the times when Australian team used to dominate the test cricket and had a sustained long run at the top position, it had a rating of 135.
After already having won the series against New Zealand India would be looking to play aggressively in the third match at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. The Indian batting lineup also looks formidable. Rohit Sharma’s gritty 82 in the second innings at a difficult to bat Kolkata track would have done a world of good to the Mumbaikars confidence. In addition to that Cheteshwar Pujara has rediscovered his form and Rahane has also made some significant contribution with the bat. Ashwin has been stellar with the ball and Jadeja is performing the role of a perfect all-rounder. Wriddhiman Saha has also been stand apart with his keeping skills along with making significant contributions down the order with the tail.
Our View
Therefore we at The SportsRush believe that the Indian Team has all the ingredients to dominate the world cricket with the young bunch of players it has. Apart from this with future test matches lined up against England and Bangladesh in this year, India has an opportunity to consolidate its top position.
