India’s reign at the top of the ICC T20I rankings is under severe risk after their defeat to Australia in the 2nd T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on October 31, 2025. The five-match series, which now stands at 1-0 in Australia’s favour, has actually likewise activated a close race for the leading ranking in males’s T20I cricket.
Australia Narrow the Gap
Before the match, India were easily put at the No. 1 position with 271 ranking points, while Australia followed carefully with 269. The MCG loss has actually considerably tightened up the margin, leaving the Aussies simply 2 points behind. A win in the upcoming 3rd T20I might see Australia leapfrog India to recover the No. 1 ranking in the ICC standings.
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Hazlewood and Marsh Lead Australia’s Charge
Australia’s bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood’s intense spell of 3/13, taken apart India’s leading order early in the innings. Supported by captain Mitchell Marsh’s overall sparkle, the hosts clinched a comfy win to take the lead in the series. The triumph not just improved group spirits however likewise included important ranking points, making the remainder of the series a fight for supremacy in both the scoreboard and the worldwide standings.
India Face Ranking Pressure
For India, the scenario includes an additional layer of seriousness. Having actually controlled the format over the previous year, a slip in ranking would be a considerable obstacle ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The similarity Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Abhishek Sharma will require to step up as the group intends to recover highly in the staying matches.
The 3rd T20I is arranged for Hobart, where India will seek to level the series and safeguard their leading area. A win would bring back self-confidence and keep them at No. 1, while another defeat might hand Australia the bragging rights as the brand-new world No. 1 in T20Is.