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International Cricket Council released the latest annual update of the men’s ODI team rankings on Monday, with India continuing to hold the No.1 position.

India remain at the top with 118 rating points despite dropping one point from the previous rankings. They are currently five points ahead of second-placed New Zealand, who have 113 points. Reigning world champions Australia retained the third spot with 109 points.

South Africa move into top four

South Africa climbed into the top four with 102 points, overtaking Pakistan, who slipped to fifth place with 98 points.

The remainder of the top 10 stayed unchanged. Sri Lanka are sixth with 96 points, followed by Afghanistan on 93 points and England with 89 points.

Bangladesh occupy ninth place with 84 points, while West Indies are 10th with 74 points.

ICC World Cup 2027 qualification race intensifies

The ICC also highlighted the significance of the rankings in the race for direct qualification to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.

The top eight teams in the rankings as of March 31, 2027, along with hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, will qualify directly for the tournament.

Since South Africa have already secured automatic qualification as co-hosts, the battle for the ninth position in the rankings could become crucial for teams aiming to avoid the qualification route.

Ireland, USA and UAE make gains

Further down the rankings, Ireland climbed to 11th place with 54 points, moving ahead of Zimbabwe, who now have 53 points.

United States also moved ahead of Scotland to claim the 13th position with 46 points.

Meanwhile, United Arab Emirates jumped to 19th after overtaking Canada in the latest annual update.

India’s next ODI assignment

India’s next ODI assignment will be a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, where Shubman Gill and his men will aim to continue their dominance in the 50-over format and strengthen their hold on the No.1 ranking.

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