India need 2-0 win over SL to top ICC Test rankings

India could not beat Australia at home and become the number one ODI team but Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men now have the chance to top the Test chart, provided then can beat Sri Lanka 2-0 at home in the three-match series starting on Monday.

With only three ratings points separating first-placed South Africa (122) from third spot holder India (119) in the ICC Test Championship table, Dhoni and his men will need a 2-0 victory or better to topple the Proteas from the top with 124 rating points.

India's 2-0 win will also ensure that second place holder Sri Lanka drop to the fourth position behind Australia on 115 ratings points.

However, Sri Lanka also has a chance to claim the coveted number one position and the equation for the Island nation is far more easier than India. Kumar Sangakkara and his men simply need to win the series to climb to the top of the table.

A 1-0 or 2-1 win will not only take Sri Lanka to 123 ratings points - one ahead of South Africa - but also drop India to 116 ratings points, in the fourth position when ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point.

And a 2-0 victory for Sri Lanka will will drop India further to 114 ratings points. However, a drawn series will mean the status quo remains the same.