Update on ICC Rankings

Yesterday night, International Cricket Council released ICC Cricket Rankings for each team based on their rating points converted from points gained in each series in the last 4 years, where the team performance in the last 3-4 years where removed while the performance and points earned in the last 12-24 months were added on weighing 50% from 100% in each may. In this rating system, it is also based on the team's rating before the series on a difference of either less than 40 or 40+, while in less than 40, if the team wins, the opponents' rating points are added with 50 while losing opponents' rating points subtracted with 50, which both were earned in the series. Series points are so simple, that for a win earn 1 point, for a series win a bonus point, for both match tie and series tie it is 1/2.

Quite a big calculation topic, which needs three blog posts to explain three formats. But, right now, the main focus is that Australia becomes No 1 side in both Test and T20I while England gained No 1 spot in ODI. Many might wonder, but the results are purely based on the last 4 years' rating along woth the team's faced in those years. Matches and series win against stronger teams or in other terms, the difference between the two teams' rating points less than 40 before the series, would earn minimal points while the difference of points between two teams is atleast 40, impacts more on rating, as if they win, its fine while if they tend to lose, it creates a great impact on rating.

Coming in the terms of India, I personally think in the last 4 years, the single match loss against West Indies(series won), Sri Lanka, Bangladesh etc. and also the series of losses against New Zealand, Australia (ODIs), Test loss against South Africa, whitewash against New Zealand also loss against England affected much, even though winning quite a large number of series in past 4 years. 

In other words, every match is important to win in effect to the ratings but it is impossible to win each and every match, so it is better not to lose big match series. India is currently on No 3 spot in both Test and T20Is while No 2 spot in ODIs, respectively as in ODI format, India have lost just two series, while winning most matches. Even in terms of womens' team, India is currently in 2nd position.