India can reclaim No. 1 Test rank from Pakistan with series win over New Zealand

Bengaluru, Sep 6: India can return to the top of the ICC Test Rankings with a series victory over New Zealand in the 3-match rubber starting in Kanpur on September 22 (Thursday).

NZ Test squad" title="Ind-NZ Test series schedule; NZ Test squad" />Ind-NZ Test series schedule; NZ Test squad

Virat Kohli-led India were displaced from the number one rank by Pakistan on August 22. Now, to reclaim the top spot, India need to win against New Zealand by 1-0 or better margin.

Virat Kohli and his team-mates celebrate a Test win over West Indies recently

Only 1 rating point separates Pakistan and India in the rankings. Pakistan are on top with 111 points while India are at 2nd with 110.

A 1-0 win against New Zealand will put India on par with Pakistan on 111 points but Kohli and his men will top the table, according to the "Rankings Predictor" on International Cricket Council's (ICC) website.

A 2-0 victory will take India to 113 points while a 3-0 whitewash will increase the margin at the top to 115 rating points.

With Pakistan also playing Test cricket, against West Indies, even if they win the series 3-0, they will only be at 2nd with 112 rating points (in case of India winning 2-0). Pakistan, with 3-0, will top if India claim the rubber with only 1-0 verdict.

However, India can own the top rank as Pakistan's series against the Caribbean side will only begin on October 13, a day after India end their Test matches against New Zealand.

India and New Zealand will play 3 Tests from September 22 to October 12.

ICC Test Rankings (As on September 5, 2016)

(Read as Rank, Team, Rating Points)

1. Pakistan 111

2. India 110

3. Australia 108

4. England 108

5. South Africa 96

6. Sri Lanka 95

7. New Zealand 95

8. West Indies 67

9. Bangladesh 57