India defeated New Zealand in the second Test of the three-match series by 178 runs and cemented their spot at the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings.
According to a press release by the ICC, The team rankings will be updated at the conclusion of the ongoing series.
India’s number one position is guaranteed irrespective of how the third and final Test against the Kiwis which will be played from October 8-12.
The host achieved the target in style on Monday, when the Black Caps were dismissed for 178 runs in the fourth innings, chasing a target of 376 to level the series.
Virat Kohli’s men won the first Test in Kanpur by 197 runs and then dominated the Kolkata Test to romp home with nearly a day to spare.
India has previously been at the top of the table from November 2009 to August 2011, and then briefly during January-February 2016 and in August 2016.
India’s achievement will see them being presented the ICC Test Championship mace, details of which will be announced in due course.
If India wins 3-0, they will finish with 115 points; and on 113 points in case of a 2-0 series win. Either of the results means that even if Pakistan whitewash the West Indies in the upcoming Test series, they will be able to overhaul India as the highest points they can collect are 112.
However, if New Zealand earns a consolation victory, India will then finish on 111 points, which, in turn, will give Pakistan a chance to reclaim the number-one ranking and the mace.
