Kolkata: The BCCI congratulated the Indian cricket team for reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings, saying it reflects the side's performance overseas beginning with the historic series win in Sri Lanka.
India reclaimed the numero uno status following their comprehensive 178-run win in the Kolkata Test against the visiting New Zealand. India have now taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with the final Test to be played in Indore from October 8-12.
BCCI president Anurag Thakur said: "I congratulate the Team India for their dominant show in Test cricket, which is the pinnacle of sport. The ICC Test rankings rightly reflect the impressive performance Virat Kohli and his boys have displayed since the overseas tour of Sri Lanka, where they registered a series victory after 22 years. The bumper home season will allow the Indian fans to savour top-class action as India are set to host England, Bangladesh and Australia."
Board secretary Ajay Shirke said: "The Board has always put Test cricket on the top of the priority list and nothing is more pleasing than to see Team India take the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings. India have set high standards on and off the field and this is a result of the hard work of all concerned."
A washout in the fourth Test at Port of Spain against the West Indies during India's last Test series had cost Virat Kohli's men the top spot by just one point. It denied them the opportunity to defend their No.1 ranking, acquired from Australia earlier.
The result of the final Test meant India won the series against the West Indies 2-0 – finishing on 110 points one behind Pakistan and two ahead of third-ranked Australia.
With yet another powerful show, India are now firmly on top of the table and set to consolidate their position further. After their win in the second Test, India have 113 rating points and a win in the third Test will add two more, taking their tally to 115.
There will be no immediate change in India's reign at the top even if Pakistan and Australia win their bilateral Test series against the West Indies and South Africa, respectively.
