New Delhi: India reclaimed the number one spot in ICC Test Rankings, after defeating New Zealand by 178 runs in the second Test at Eden Gardens.


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With 10 wins and two draws in their last 12 matches, India have been unstoppable on home turf in a journey that began with the 1-2 series loss against England in December 2012.


In the middle of a 12-match unbeaten streak at home, there are still 11 Test matches to go in the long home-season for the hosts. (READ: India vs New Zealand, 2nd Test, Day 4 – Hosts clinch series)


India pulled off a brilliant all-round performance to trounce New Zealand in the second Test to clinch the three-Test series with an unassailable 2-0 lead which also propelled them to the top of the ICC rankings.




India has previously been at the top of the table from November 2009 to August 2011 and then briefly during January-February 2016 and in August 2016.


To celebrate India's number one Test ranking, it will be presented with the ICC Test Championship mace.


India's next challenge will be to put the number one ranking beyond Pakistan's reach and this will only be possible if it wins or draws the Indore Test.


Having entered the three-match series one point lower than Pakistan, India did not put a foot wrong at the Green Park stadium even as Kohli's bold move to go with a four-strong bowling attack surprised many.


The two Indian spinners -- Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja -- got fine support from the deteriorating Green Park wicket and they both accounted for 16 wickets.



The spin-mantra to get success at home has not changed even with the new set up under coach Anil Kumble and Kohli. 


In the 2nd Test at Eden Gardens, Bhuvneshwar Kumar took a fifer in the 1st innings. Rest of the Indian bowlers Shami, Ashwin and Jadeja took 3 wickets each in the 2nd innings. (WATCH: People's Captain! Virat Kohli asking Eden Gardens crowd get louder and cheer for India)


From the batting point of view, every batsman made runs in either 1st or 2nd innings excluding the openers. 


Cheteshwar Pujara along with Ajinkya Rahane made 87 and 77 respectively in the first innings. While Virat Kohli (45) and Rohit Sharma (82) showed glimpse of returning to their form. Man of the Match Wriddhiman Saha contributed with a good 58 and a catch of Tom Latham in second innings.


Third and final Test will be played in Indore from 8-12 October, India will retain the top spot irrespective of the result of that match.


(with agency inputs)