South Africa's series loss pushes India to No.1 spot in ICC Test Rankings

It was way back in 2009 when India under MS Dhoni’s captaincy had reached the peak in the ICC Test Rankings when India had defeated Sri Lanka in a Test series and dislodged South Africa in the rankings. India held the top honours till 2011 when England dethroned India after an unforgettable tour to England.

India after this had a wavy presence in the top rankings till last year when India under Virat Kohli’s captaincy defeated the South Africans breaking their long 9-year winning streak away from home and they consolidated and established themselves at the second spot. After this loss, South Africa just had a four-point lead over India in the points table. To retain and consolidate their numero uno position, South Africa had to win the series against England or at the least level it draw.

But fate had other plans for them, as England outplayed them completely in the 3rd Test as well and with that now have a 2-0 unassailable lead in the 4-match series. South Africa were reduced to rubble when they were bowled out for just 83 in their second innings of the third Test at Wanderers after Stuart Broad broke through their ranks with a spell of 6 for 17.

India under Kohli look a fresh and a better side with them first notching up a 2-1 series win in Sri Lanka, their first since 1993 and a 3-0 whitewash of the touring South African side in 2015.

Meanwhile, South Africa after the drubbing looks to regain confidence to come back on the top with new Test skipper AB de Villiers.