India’s Rise in ICC Test Rankings
Despite not participating in any Test matches in 2026 so far, India has made a significant leap in the updated ICC Test rankings. The latest rankings, released on May 1, saw India surpass England to claim the third position in the standings. This development marks a notable shift in the global Test cricket hierarchy.
India’s recent Test series against South Africa, which they lost 2-0 in November 2025, was their last appearance in the format. However, the ICC rankings are primarily determined by a team’s most recent results, and this has led to the current ranking changes.
Understanding the ICC Annual Update
The annual update to the rankings involves a review of results over the past three years. Tests played from May 1, 2025, are given full weight (100%), while results from the previous two years receive 50% weight. This change had a significant impact on England, who dropped below India as a result.
England had previously enjoyed strong performances before April 2023, securing series victories against New Zealand, South Africa, and Pakistan. However, these results are no longer within the current calculation range, leading to a drop in their points to 102. In contrast, India now holds 104 points, securing the third position in the rankings.
Australia and South Africa remain at the top of the table, with Australia holding the first spot and South Africa in second place.
Other Teams Affected by the Update
Pakistan also benefited from the rankings update, moving up to sixth place by surpassing Sri Lanka. This shift highlights the dynamic nature of the ICC Test rankings and the impact of recent performances on a team’s standing.
Here is a breakdown of the current standings:
| Pos | Team | Matches | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Australia | 24 | 3138 | 131 |
| 02 | South Africa | 19 | 2256 | 119 |
| 03 | India | 25 | 2600 | 104 |
| 04 | England | 28 | 2850 | 102 |
| 05 | New Zealand | 17 | 1717 | 101 |
| 06 | Pakistan | 13 | 1154 | 89 |
| 07 | Sri Lanka | 13 | 1118 | 86 |
| 08 | West Indies | 21 | 1425 | 68 |
| 09 | Bangladesh | 17 | 1134 | 67 |
| 10 | Ireland | 5 | 124 | 25 |
| 11 | Zimbabwe | 12 | 117 | 10 |
| 12 | Afghanistan | 4 | 0 | 0 |
What’s Next for India in Test Cricket?
India will return to Test cricket next month with a match against the Afghanistan national team. The game will be held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, marking India’s first Test match since their last encounter with Afghanistan in 2018. However, this match will not be part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
India faces a challenging path in the 2025-27 WTC cycle, where they currently hold the sixth position with 48.15 percent points. To qualify for the finals, India must win seven out of their last nine matches under the captaincy of Shubman Gill.
Upcoming Challenges for India
India’s upcoming schedule includes an away series of two Tests against Sri Lanka, followed by an away series of three Tests against New Zealand. They will also host Australia in a five-Test series starting in early 2027.
Despite the tough challenges ahead, India’s improvement in the rankings offers some relief and a chance to build momentum as they prepare for the next phase of international Test cricket.
