The much-anticipated Test series between India and South Africa is just a few hours away from getting underway. It’s the battle of the top 2 ranked teams in the ICC Test Rankings which is what makes the contest even more intriguing.
The men in blue are currently ranked No.1 with a rating of 124 followed by the Proteas who have 111. Virat Kohli and his men will not lose their pole position even if they lose the Test series 3-0. In the case of an Indian whitewash, both teams will end up at 118 but India will be slightly ahead in terms of the decimal points. India will land up at 118.47 while South Africa will reach 117.53.
If India win the series by any margin, it will only strengthen their position while a drawn series will mean that they will lose a rating point. India had a long home season where they defeated each team that toured the country and as a result, they lead the chart with a huge margin.
The first of the 3 Tests will begin on January 5 in Newlands, Cape Town. The second Test will be played in Centurion beginning on January 13 while Johannesburg will play host to the third and final Test starting on January 24. The Test series will be followed by 6 ODIs and 3 T20Is.
Possible scenarios and their impact on the Test rankings
If South Africa win 3-0: India 118 (-6) and South Africa 118 (+7)
If South Africa win 2-0: India 120 (-4) and South Africa 116 (+5)
If South Africa win 2-1 or 1-0: India 121 (-3) and South Africa 115 (+4)
If series is drawn 1-1: India 123 (-1) and South Africa 112 (+1)
If India win 2-1 or 1-0: India 125 (+1) and South Africa 110 (-1)
If India win 2-0: India 126 (+2) and South Africa 109 (-2)
If India 3-0: India 128 (+4) and South Africa 107 (-4)
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