How can India become No. 1 ranked ODI team before ICC Cricket World Cup 2023?

India are currently ranked second in ICC ODI team rankings.

Team India have missed out an opportunity to become the number one side in all three formats despite having a dominating victory in the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka at R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo. India’s loss against Bangladesh cost them big in their prospects of leading the ranking as number one side in all three formats. Pakistan remain the number one ODI side in the ICC ODI team rankings. With three upcoming matches against Australia, India still have an opportunity to topple Pakistan in the ODI team rankings. 

How can India become No. 1 ODI side?

The Indian cricket team is currently second in the table with 115 rating points and will take on Australia in a three-match series next. India have a golden opportunity to overtake Pakistan if they manage to defeat Australia in the first ODI at PCA stadium in Mohali. India will need a series win in the three-match ODI series to get to the top of the ICC ODI rankings. Pakistan also have 115 ranking points thus negating the big difference between both teams in the table. In case India lose the series, Pakistan will remain the number one side and enter ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as the top ranked ODI side.

Australia also in contention

Australia will also have an opportunity to get top of the table and enter into the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India as table toppers of the ODI rankings. Australia will need to whitewash the Indian cricket team in the upcoming three-match ODI series to become the top-ranked ODI side. They can not afford to lose even one game in the series as they are currently in third position with 113 rating points. South Africa defeated Australia in the recently concluded five-match series by 3-2. Australia's recent loss against South Africa also helped India and Pakistan to consolidate their positions in the table. 

India are currently the table-toppers in Test and T20I formats. They are number one in T20Is with 294 rating points and have got 118 points in Tests. Australia’s tour of India is set to commence on 22nd September at PCA stadium in Mohali. The second ODI will be played at Holkar Stadium in Indore on 24th September. The final ODI will be played at Saurashtra Cricket Stadium in Rajkot on 27th September. After this series, both teams will enter the World Cup and play their opening game against each other at Chepauk in Chennai on 8th October.