Don’t believe in points and ranking system, admits Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir revealed that he does not have any belief in the current ranking system along with the points before adding that the World Test Championship point system is ridiculous. He also raised questions over the No.1 ranked side in current rankings, Australia for their poor away form.
Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir opened up on the current point system and the Test rankings for the year 2020. Earlier this month, Australia were crowned as the No.1 team in the longest format of the game, with India being demoted to No.3. After being 42 months at the top of the ranking system, India’s reign came to an end, with ICC removing the points from the 2016-17 season. That also meant that it was Australia’s neighbours, New Zealand who upstaged India to a second-place finish on the rankings.
"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 said during the Cricket Connected show on Star Sports, reported India Today.
During the 2018-19 season, India were victorious all over the world, including wins against Australia away from home. Virat Kohli’s men followed it up with a home win against South Africa, Bangladesh and a win over West Indies.
"Yes, absolutely. 100 percent. 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.
On the other hand, Australia could only manage a draw against England away from home while winning all their home games against New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
"For me, India should be there (No. 1) because 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," he concluded.