How India Can Lose World No. 1 Test Spot Even If They Beat West Indies 2-0

16.07.2023 - 13:13 sports.ndtv.com

India thrashed West Indies by an innings and 141 runs on Day 3 of the first Test of the two-match series. The Rohit Sharma-led side comfortably dominated the hosts as debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal played a blistering knock of 171, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin scalping a whopping total of 12 wickets.

The second and final Test will begin from July 20 and the visitors will be going in as the favourites. Currently, Team India is number one Test team in the world as per the ICC rankings but their place is not at all secured, even if they defeat West Indies 2-0.

Team India has a rating of 121 and is sitting at the top of the ICC Test team rankings. They are followed by Australia at number two with 116 points.

The Pat Cummins-led side, who is currently squaring off against England in the ongoing Ashes series, can surpass India to claim the top spot. Here's how the scenarios can unfold: India beat West Indies 2-0 Australia are leading the five-match series 2-1 against England.

cricket Australia Cricket Team India Cricket Team England Cricket Team West Indies Cricket Team 2023 Test 1 Pat Cummins Rohit Sharma Australia India

For the second match running, Hardik Pandya led the Indian team in the ODI series against West Indies on Tuesday. He stood in for Rohit Sharma in the second ODI, which the team lost. After comprehensively winning the first ODI against West Indies in Barbados, the Indian team were handed a defeat in the second match at the same venue as the hosts valiantly fought back. West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and opted to field against India in the third and final ODI of the three-match series at the Brian Lara Stadium.

Watch: Rested Virat Kohli Turns 'Water Boy' For Team India vs West Indies. Internet In Awe

The Indian playing XI for the second ODI against West Indies in Barbados on Saturday had a different look as regular captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were not part of it. Hardik Pandya stood in for Rohit, the skipper. "Few questions need to be answered for us, so Virat and Rohit are resting. They can be fresh for the third ODI. The way we bowled was impressive. The way we caught was great, it changed the momentum. I think when you get someone out for 115, it's a good effort from the bowlers. Our catching was impressive, but we can improve in certain areas. Instead of losing five wickets, we could have lost only two wickets and finished the last game. Sanju Samson and Axar Patel come in for Rohit and Virat," stand-in captain Hardik Pandya said at the toss.

Watch: Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal Indulge In Banter During 2nd ODI vs West Indies. Video Is Viral

On a day when India aspiring batters, in the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, failed to capitalise on a great opportunity, there was little to cheer up the visitors in Barbados at the second ODI against West Indies on Saturday. However, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and allrounder Ravindra Jadeja lightened up the mood as they indulged in banter in the rain-hit second ODI. During one of the two rain interruptions, Chahal could be seen teasing Jadeja, who had a good laugh.

India vs West Indies, 2nd ODI: Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie Shine In West Indies' Series-Levelling Win Over India

Shai Hope led from the front with an unbeaten half-century as West Indies defeated India by six wickets in the second ODI and bring the three-match series on an even keel in Bridgetown on Saturday. Hope (63 not out; 80 balls) found a fine ally in Keacy Carty (48 not out; 65b) as the duo put together 91 runs (118b) for the fourth wicket to steady their 182-run chase. WI reached the target with 80 balls to spare. In absence of skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India's batting looked feeble.

Watch: Virat Kohli Shares Valuable Tips With West Indies Batter, Star's Gesture Is Viral

Star batter Virat Kohli didn't get a chance to bat in the first ODI against West Indies on Thursday as the management decided to shuffle the batting order. With the visitors chasing a modest target of 115, Ishan Kishan opened the batting with Shubman Gill, with captain Rohit Sharma coming in at no. 7. Kohli, however, did not bat in the chase as India won the match by five wickets. After the match, Kohli was seen having a chat with West Indies captain Shai Hope.

Yadav, Jadeja lead India to five-wicket romp over abject West Indies

Left-arm spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja masterminded the rout of an abject West Indies team as India romped to a five-wicket victory with more than 27 overs to spare in the opening One-Day International of a three-match series at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Thursday.