New Delhi: The 500th Test match for Indian cricket team was a huge success, as Virat Kohli-led side defeated New Zealand with a huge margin of 197 runs at Green Park, Kanpur.
India are now 1-0 up in the three-match series against Kiwis.
There are 12 more matches to go for team India in what is a long home season ahead for them. It will be a daunting task for the touring sides to challenge the hosts in the traditional format.
India are currently ranked number 2 in the ICC Test rankings, 19 points behind Pakistan.
While India are still a win away from dethroning their arch-rivals as the No. 1 side in Tests, Test skipper Virat Kohli on Monday in a post said that the team had already reclaimed the top spot. (READ: 1st Test, India vs New Zealand: In 500th Test, Virat Kohli & Co register comprehensive 197-run win)
Soon after India defeated New Zealand in the 1st Test, Kohli wrote on his Facebook wall, "A comprehensive win of 197 runs and Team India is no.1 now in the ICC Test Rankings! Congratulations Captain VK! #IndVsNZ."
Here is Kohli's post from Facebook:
But that's not true.
If India defeat New Zealand in the 2st Test at Eden Garden in Kolkata, only then will they dethrone their arch-rivals Pakistan and become number 1 in Tests. (READ: ICC Test Rankings: Virat Kohli & Co will dethrone Pakistan from top spot if they win at Eden Gardens)
Pakistan achieved this feat recently in August after they drew a four-match series 2-2 against Pakistan.
Recently, India too had a chance of becoming the No. 1 side when they toured West Indies for a four-match Test series. They needed to win the third Test, but unfortunately, it was washed out just after 22 overs were bowled.
Now, Virat Kohli and Co have another chance at becoming number one in ICC Test Rankings after their dominance in the first Test match against New Zealand.
August 30th, 2016
Team Matches Points Rating
Pakistan 25 2767 111
India 25 2748 110
Australia 36 3905 108
England 41 4427 108
South Africa 25 2412 96
Sri Lanka 32 3055 95
New Zealand 31 2949 95
West Indies 26 1749 67
Bangladesh 12 687 57
Zimbabwe 7 54 8
