Earlier this month, the Indian cricket team slipped to number 3 position in the ICC Test ranking from the number 1 position. The Virat Kohli led team was leading at number 1 position since 2016, however, it has now slipped below the Australians and New Zealanders. However, what raised everyone’s brows was the fact that the team India hasn’t done bad enough to slip to number three position.
After receiving a lot of backlash from the fans, the International Cricket Council (ICC) released a statement on this subject. In their statement, ICC revealed that the records of the 2016-17 season of the Indian cricket team have been removed. The statement read:
“India has yielded the top spot for the first time since October 2016. This is largely because India had won 12 Tests and lost just one Test in 2016-17, the records of which were removed in the latest update,”
Now, recently during a conversation with Star Sports, the ex-Indian opener Gautam Gambhir expressed that he doesn’t have faith in the ranking system and points. Talking about the same, he said that team India slipping from the rank wasn’t a surprise for him. He said:
“No, I am not surprised (India slipping to No. 3). I don’t believe in points and ranking system. Probably the worst was there in the World Test Championship… that you win the same points when you win a Test match away from home. That’s ridiculous,”
He further pointed out how India has lost one series away from home but won against Australia, but still, Australia was above from team India. He said:
“Yes, absolutely. 100 percent. If you have to see from the overall impact point of view, India has lost a series away from home but won against Australia. Hands down, they have been the most competitive side. They won a Test in South Africa, won a Test match in England… not many countries have done that,”
Gautam Gambhir further questioned Australia’s potion in the test ranking. He had said:
“For me, India should be there (No. 1) because of Australia… I have serious doubts On what front have you given Australia the No. 1 ranking? They have been absolutely pathetic away from home, especially in the sub-continent,”
