India back at helm of Test rankings after 1-0 series win over New Zealand
It is fair enough to say that India have transformed itself into a bullish and dominant side. Ever since Virat Kohli took over the leadership reins from MS Dhoni in Test cricket, India have continued to slay opponents, especially at home. The story was not different this time around as India beat New Zealand by a whopping margin of 372 runs at the Wankhede in Mumbai to win the series 1-0.
India also managed to reclaim the number one spot in the latest Test rankings. The Kohli-led side are placed at 124 points, followed by New Zealand who have 121 points. The teams are followed by Australia (108), England (107), Pakistan (92), South Africa (88), Sri Lanka (83), West Indies (75), Bangladesh (49) and Zimbabwe (31).
The win over New Zealand also boosted India’s position in the Test Championship. India are placed third with a win percentage of 58.33. Sri Lanka are placed second on account of their 2-0 series win over West Indies. Pakistan occupies third place with a win percentage of 66.66. The two-match Test series between India and New Zealand was fascinating. The first Test ended in a thrilling draw at Kanpur, with the visitors managing to hold onto a draw with only one wicket remaining.
The second Test match in Mumbai saw India put in an absolute show with the ball as the spinners bamboozled New Zealand in both innings. Ravi Ashwin was the star in both innings, picking eight wickets in the match. Mayank Agarwal shined with the bat as he registered scores of 150 and 62. Skipper Kohli was pleased with the team’s clinical display.
“To come back with a win is a great feeling, returning as the captain it was a clinical performance, something we’ve seen time and again,” said Kohli.
“You want individuals to step up, and guys did that. Even the first Test match was good, this was better.”