Gautam Gambhir Questions Australia's Crowning As The No. 1 Test Team; Insists India Have Been The Best
Published - 11 May 2020, 02:07 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:28 AM
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Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has stated that he can’t absolutely comprehend as to why Australia were crowned as the number one team in the ICC Test Team Rankings released last week by the ICC. Notably, India were dethroned by Australia from the top spot in Tests for the first time since October 2016 while Pakistan lost their No. 1 ranking in T20Is after 27 months at the top.
In the ICC’s annual rankings update released on May 01, the Tim Paine-led side has jumped to the top of the Test standings ahead of New Zealand and India, with just two points separating the top three teams. Now, Gautam Gambhir has expressed his disappointment at the points system that ICC follows.
Gautam Gambhir is livid with the fact that India are no longer the number one team in the ICC Test Team Rankings and has questioned ICC’s policy.
Gautam Gambhir Expresses Disappointment Over India’s Dethroning
While taking a dig at the ICC World Test Championship points system as well, Gautam Gambhir said India have been the most competitive side, even away from home in the recent past.
“No, I am not surprised (India slipping to No. 3). I don’t believe in points and ranking system. Probably the worst was there in the World Test Championship… that you win the same points when you win a Test match away from home. That’s ridiculous,” Gambhir said during the Cricket Connected show on Star Sports.
“Yes, absolutely. 100 percent. If you have to see from the overall impact point of view, India have lost series away from home but won against Australia. Hands down, they have been the most competitive side. They won a Test in South Africa, won a Test match in England… not many countries have done that,” he added.
“For me, India should be there (No. 1) because Australia… I have serious doubts On what front have you given Australia the No. 1 ranking? They have been absolutely pathetic away from home, especially in the sub-continent,” Gautam Gambhir further said.
Team India Lead The World Test Championship Points Table
Although the Men in Blue lost the top spot to Australia in the ICC Test Team Rankings, they still dominate the ICC World Test Championship points table. Team India is currently the number one ranked team in the Test championship points table with 360 points in nine games followed by Australia, New Zealand, and England in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th spot.
