Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has lashed out at the ranking system of the International Cricket Council, questioning Australia’s rise to the top of the Test rankings.
Gautam Gambhir said India have had a greater impact on the Test circuit in their recent past with wins away from home, especially in Australia. Gambhir also questioned the No. 1 tag for Australia, saying they have been ‘absolutely pathetic’ in the subcontinent.
India’s 42-month reign at the top of the ICC Test rankings came to an end earlier this month when the ICC updated its rankings, removing the points that teams had accumulated from 2016-17 season.
“India have yielded the top spot for the first time since October 2016. This is largely because India had won 12 Tests and lost just one Test in 2016-17, the records of which were removed in the latest update,” an ICC statement said.
India were pushed to the 3rd spot with Australia leading the pack and New Zealand at the 2nd spot.
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.
