Explained: How India Jumped to No. 3 In ICC Rankings Without Playing Since SA Defeat

Despite not having played any Test matches in 2026 thus far, India have moved up one spot in the updated ICC Test rankings. The rankings released on May 1 saw India leapfrog England to take third place in the standings.

It has been a remarkable rise considering India's last Test appearance was the series they completed at home against South Africa by losing the series 2-0 in November 2025, but with the ICC rankings primarily based on the strength of the teams' most recent results, and this brought the shift in the rankings.

How the ICC Annual Update Changed Rankings

The update to the rankings, based on annual review, removes results that were achieved three years prior to this update, the tests played from May 1st, 2025 receive a weight of 100% whereas results obtained in the preceding two years receive 50% of the weight, a measure that affected England significantly, who were among the biggest losers, dropping below India.

The English side had a strong results before April, 2023 as they secured series victories against the likes of New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan. However, This aspect of which now falls outside the current calculation range, saw England dropping to 102 points.

India however, have a point more than England, their rating now standing at 104 points as they take the third spot. The top two spots are occupied by Australia and South Africa.

Pakistan have also reaped rewards from this update as they leapfrog Sri Lanka into sixth place.

What's Next for India in Test Cricket?

India will come back into the world of Test cricket next month with an individual match against Afghanistan national cricket team. The match will take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh and mark its first Test match.

However, this will also be the first Test clash between India and Afghanistan since 2018. Nevertheless, the Test will not be part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) tournament cycle.

The biggest obstacle that India will face is in the 2025-27 WTC cycle, where the Indian team finds itself ranked sixth with 48.15 percent points. In order to qualify for the finals, India needs to win seven out of their last nine matches under captaincy of Shubman Gill.

Upcoming challenges for the India include an away series of two Tests against Sri Lanka, followed by an away series of three Tests against New Zealand. India will also host Australia in a series of five Tests starting in early 2027.

However, despite their challenging schedule, India's improvement in the rankings provides some breathing space.