New Delhi: Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who had been in sublime form in the last few months, is currently struggling with the bat in the ongoing four-match series against Australia. As a result of his poor form, the Delhi batsman has been overtaken by another Indian batsman in ICC rankings for batsmen.
Cheteshwar Pujara, who slammed a stupendous double ton in the Ranchi Test, has advanced to a career-best second spot. Pujara's 202-run-knock has helped gain four slots to reach the second ranking. He has replaced New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who is now in fifth place, also slipping behind Joe Root and Virat Kohli.
While Kohli has witnessed a dip in form, Australian skipper Steve Smith continues to dominate as the world's top-ranked batsman after hitting two centuries in the ongoing series. Smith has reached a career-high rating of 941 points after scores of 178 not out and 21 at Ranchi.
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In the bowling department, Ravindra Jadeja edged past team-mate Ravichandran Aswhin to seal the No. 1 spot for bowlers.
While Jadeja has closed in on a major landmark as his tally of 899 rating points has put him on the brink of becoming only the second Indian bowler after Ashwin to touch the 900-point mark, Ashwin, who had a highest rating of 904 points, has slipped 37 points behind Jadeja to 862 points after finishing with just two wickets in Ranchi.
Meanwhile, the race for the second spot in the ICC Test team rankings has become interesting as Australia and South Africa compete ahead of the cut-off date of April 1, on which India is assured of finishing first and getting a cash award of USD 1 million.
Australia will finish second and get a cash award of USD 500,000 with at least a draw in the last Test in Dharamsala while South Africa can finish second if Australia loses with South Africa either winning or drawing the last match against New Zealand in Hamilton.
The third-placed team on April 1 will receive USD 200,000 while the fourth-placed team, which will be England, will get USD 100,000.
