India is currently the top-ranked nation in Test cricket, according to the ICC cricket rankings, after defeating New Zealand by a massive 372-run margin. India is in first place with 3,465 points and a rating of 124. They are now ahead of New Zealand, which is in second position, and Australia, which is in third place, with 3,021 and 1,844 points and 121 and 108 ratings, respectively.
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India defeated New Zealand by a record margin in the second Test of the two-match series on Monday, December 6. After sending New Zealand's batting team back to the pavilion for 167 in the second innings, India triumphed by a comfortable 372 runs. This is India's largest Test victory in terms of runs.
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Virat Kohli's side has risen to the top of the international Test rankings after a 1-0 victory against the defending World Test Champions. India's ranking has risen to 124, while New Zealand's has dipped to 121.
New Zealand will be looking to retake the top spot after India's three-match tour to South Africa, while the Kiwis welcome Bangladesh for a two-match series.
Rahul Dravid is impressed by the performances of youngsters
Mayank Agarwal's 150 and 62-run performances for India triumphed against Ajaz Patel's landmark 14-wicket match haul in Mumbai.
The efforts of youngsters Axar Patel, Jayant Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, and Mohammed Siraj, who all made the most of the opportunities offered to them in the absence of the veteran players, pleased head coach Rahul Dravid.
Coach Rahul Dravid said, “It was fantastic to complete the series on a high note; we came close in Kanpur but couldn't get that final wicket, so we had to work hard here." This outcome seemed to be one-sided, yet we were forced to work hard throughout the series. There have been times when we were behind and had to battle back, and the squad deserves credit for that. After India's victory in Mumbai, Rahul Dravid observed, "It's great to see the youngsters stepping up and grabbing their opportunity."
He further added, “We were missing a few veteran players, to be sure." Jayant had a terrible day yesterday, but he learned from it today, thanks to the guys that came in. Mayank, Shreyas, and Siraj, who doesn't get many chances. Axar, it's exciting to watch how far he's come with the bat in addition to what he's accomplished with the ball. It also provides us a lot of possibilities and helps us grow as a team.”
The BCCI has declared that India will go South Africa despite the Omicron risk, but it will be a delayed tour that will begin on December 26 with the Test and ODI series, with the T20I series following later.