India have retained the number one spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, holding a seven-point cushion over New Zealand despite a mixed run of results across 2026.
Quick Answer / Key Update
India sit on 116 points in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, seven points clear of second-placed New Zealand. India have also maintained their position as the world’s top-ranked T20I side, having won the 2026 T20 World Cup on home soil.
What Happened?
India’s hold on the top ODI ranking dates back nearly three years, spanning the transition to Shubman Gill’s captaincy ahead of the October 2025 tour of Australia. Since then, India have played nine ODIs in 2026, winning five and losing four, with results including a 3-0 sweep of Afghanistan in June but series defeats to New Zealand and England.
Latest Update
India’s most recent setback came in England, where they lost the three-match ODI series 2-1, with the hosts sealing the contest at Lord’s despite a century from Rohit Sharma in the decider. Those results reduced India’s ranking points but were not enough to remove them from the top spot, which they now aim to hold onto through the qualification window for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Why Is This Trending?
With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 set to be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, India’s ranking position carries direct relevance to their World Cup preparations, as captain Shubman Gill has identified the tournament as one of his primary goals in the role.
Key Details
Format: ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings Number 1: India – 116 points Number 2: New Zealand India’s 2026 ODI Record: Played 9, Won 5, Lost 4 Captain: Shubman Gill Also No.1 in: ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings
India’s Season So Far
India opened 2026 by losing an ODI series 2-1 to New Zealand at home, before responding with a 3-0 sweep of Afghanistan in June. The toughest challenge came in England, where India lost the ODI series 2-1 despite Rohit Sharma’s century in the final match at Lord’s.
What Happens Next?
India will look to build on their ODI ranking ahead of the qualification process for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, with the top eight teams in the rankings as of March 31, 2027, securing automatic qualification alongside co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team is ranked number one in ODIs?
India are ranked number one with 116 points, seven points ahead of New Zealand.
What is India’s ODI record in 2026?
India have played nine ODIs in 2026, winning five and losing four.
Is India also top of the T20I rankings?
Yes, India are the top-ranked T20I side, having won the 2026 T20 World Cup at home.
How does the ranking affect 2027 World Cup qualification?
The top eight teams in the ICC rankings as of March 31, 2027, will secure direct qualification for the tournament.
Final Takeaway
Despite a challenging run of results in 2026, India have maintained their grip on the top ODI ranking, giving them a strong platform as they build towards the 2027 Cricket World Cup qualification process.
