Team India continues to rule the ODI rankings (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Team India has maintained its dominance at the top of the latest ICC ODI Team Rankings following the annual update released by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Despite losing one rating point, India remains the world's No.1 ODI side with 118 rating points.
India's rating dropped marginally from 119 to 118 points, but the Rohit Sharma-led side continues to occupy the top position in the ODI rankings. The update comes as India begins preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled to be hosted in South Africa.
New Zealand strengthened its position at No.2 after gaining two rating points and now sits on 113 points. Meanwhile, reigning ODI World Cup champions Australia remain third with 109 rating points, keeping the top three positions unchanged.
One of the biggest changes in the latest rankings sees South Africa move up to fourth place, overtaking Pakistan. The Proteas now have 102 rating points, while Pakistan has slipped to fifth with 98 points.
Sri Lanka occupies sixth place in the rankings, followed by Afghanistan in seventh. England is placed eighth, while Bangladesh and West Indies round off the top 10 at ninth and tenth positions respectively. Bangladesh now enjoys a 10-point advantage over the Caribbean side.
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Ireland has climbed to 11th place after surpassing Zimbabwe. The United States moved ahead of Scotland to secure 13th position, while the UAE overtook Canada to rise to 19th in the standings.
India's top ranking comes at a crucial stage as the team gears up for the 2027 ODI World Cup. An upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan is expected to mark the beginning of India's preparations for the global event.
However, India has suffered two major setbacks ahead of the series, with star batter Virat Kohli and all-rounder Hardik Pandya ruled out due to injuries. Their absence could provide opportunities for younger players to stake their claim in the ODI setup.
