How can India go into ODI World Cup 2023 as world number one team?

After being crowned Asian champions, India will lock horns with Australia in a three-match ODI series starting on Friday, September 22 at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali. The Men-in-Blue are currently the number two ranked team in ODIs after their Asia Cup triumph with 114.659 ratings to their name. A 2-1 series win over Australia will make sure that India enters the ODI World Cup 2023 as the number-one ranked team in the World. The Rohit Sharma-led side has a golden chance to rise to the top by winning the first ODI itself.

Notably, Pakistan are the current number-one ranked team in the world despite not being able to win the Asia Cup 2023. The Babar Azam-led side is slightly ahead of India in ratings with a few decimal points and are on the top spot with 114.889 ratings.

Pakistan had earlier slipped to the third position in the rankings after their Asia Cup exit with Australia rising to the top. However, the Kangaroos lost against South Africa by 2-3 clearing the path for Pakistan to reclaim the top spot. Australia are currently ranked on the third spot with 113 ratings to their name and will need to whitewash India to reclaim the top spot. On the other hand, if Australia manage to beat India by a margin of 2-1, they will rise to the second spot while Pakistan will remain on top.

India and Australia to face each other in their first game of World Cup 2023

Meanwhile, the series against Australia will serve as the final preparation for India ahead of the World Cup. The Men in Blue lost a three-match ODI series against Australia earlier this year. They have also lost three out of the last four series played against the five-time World Champions. Hence, the Rohit Sharma-led side will get to play against their nemesis to get much-needed preparation for the mega event.

Furthermore, the two teams will also start their World Cup campaign against each other on Sunday, October 08 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.