ICC Rankings | Virat Kohli inches away from dethroning Steve Smith from No.1 Test rankings

Virat Kohli was at his magnificent best in Pune as he scored an unbeaten 254 in the first innings to ensure that India had the upper hand in the game, which they went on to win eventually by an innings margin. His seventh Test double-century has also helped him close down the gap with top-ranked Steve Smith in the batsmen rankings. gained 37 points and now has a rating of 936 – which is one less than Smith who continues to occupy the top spot after his ground-breaking Ashes campaign.

Meanwhile, R Ashwin has continued his upward surge in the ICC Test Rankings since playing in his first international match this year in October. The offspinner has returned to the top-10 following his excellent show in the opening Test of the series between India and South Africa in Vizag, jumping another three spots to be placed seventh in the latest ICC Test rankings for bowlers.

While Pat Cummins continues to be the top-ranked Test bowler followed by Kagiso Rabada and Jasprit Bumrah at second and third respectively, Vernon Philander dropped three spots, having managed just two wickets so far on the tour, at 77.50. Philander is now below Ashwin and needs a good showing in the final Test in Ranchi to salvage some pride.