Former Indian great, Gautam Gambhir, has questioned ICC’s ranking system after facing difficulty in comprehending why Australia dethroned India as the number one Test team last week.
It was the first time India lost its top spot and slipped two places to number three after gaining pole position in October 2016. India faced a 2-nil defeat against New Zealand in the away games earlier this year.
The Kiwis are currently placed second in the rankings with only two points separating the top three teams.
Also, after 27 months at the top of T20I rankings, Pakistan lost their numero-uno status. Gambhir ridiculed the apex cricketing body’s ranking system by saying he does not believe in it.
“No, I am not surprised (India slipping to No. 3). I don’t believe in points and ranking system. Probably the worst was there in the World Test Championship… that you win the same points when you win a Test match away from home. That’s ridiculous,” Gambhir affirmed during Star Sports show ‘Cricket Connected’.
More so, Gambhir expressed his disappointment after Australia was crowned as the number one Test team in the world ahead of India.
India defeated Australia at their backyard during their 2018-19 tour by a margin of 2-1. Also, Aussies lost the 2017 series by the same margin when they toured India.
“Yes, absolutely. 100 per cent. If you have to see from the overall impact point of view, India have lost series away from home but won against Australia. Hands down, they have been the most competitive side. They won a Test in South Africa, won a Test match in England… not many countries have done that,” added the cricketer-turned-politician.
Further, Gambhir firmly believed that India should have retained their number one ranking and stated that giving Australia pole position was baseless.
“For me, India should be there (No. 1) because of Australia… I have serious doubts. On what front have you given Australia the No. 1 ranking? They have been absolutely pathetic away from home, especially in the sub-continent,” Gambhir concluded.
