The Indian team endured a dismal past season. In addition to their defeats in Tests (they lost both the Pataudi Trophy against England and the more recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, 0-4), the Men in Blue were unable to put up much of a fight during the Commonwealth Bank tri-series Down Under. They won only 3 of their 8 matches, and spent most of their time at the bottom of the series points table.
The Asia Cup which followed proved to be a mixed bag for the Indian team, particularly their match against Bangladesh. While they went on to concede a shocking 5-wicket defeat to the tournament underdogs, the highlight of their innings was Tendulkar’s record-breaking 100th ton.
Sachin’s record breaking feat has allowed him to move up two places to secure the 27th position (above England’s hard-hitting batsman Kevin Pietersen, and Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal). Interestingly, four of the Little Master’s own countrymen still supersede him on the rankings – Virat Kohli (at number 3), Dhoni (at number 4), Gautam Gambhir (at number 17) and Virender Sehwag (at number 25).
Despite the presence of senior players like Sehwag and Gambhir on the list, the batsman of the moment is Virat Kohli. After a valiant, unbeaten 133 against Sri Lanka in their last CB series match at Hobart, the 23-year-old was appointed vice-captain of the squad. He continued to shine in the Asia Cup, despite his team’s poor form, scoring an impressive 183, and establishing a 172-run stand with Rohit Sharma to lead his team to a satisfying victory against Pakistan.
Other batsmen who have moved upwards in the rankings include Dhoni (who is currently occupying the 4th spot), and left-hander Suresh Raina, who has moved up 4 places, to grab the 32nd position.
The Men In Blue have a chance to improve on their current performances in an upcoming only T20I against South Africa on March 30.
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