The International Cricket Council (ICC) released its annual team rankings update on May 5, 2025. As expected, India and Australia maintained their supremacy in white-ball and red-ball formats respectively. The update reflected results from May 2022 to April 2025, and it brought several shifts for the mid-table teams, although the top two nations continue to set the gold standard.
India Remains Unbeaten in T20I Rankings
India currently dominates the T20 International (T20I) rankings. Under captain Hardik Pandya and later Ruturaj Gaikwad, the Indian team focused aggressively on depth, youth, and fielding excellence. Their strategy worked. Over the last three years, India won 80% of its T20I matches, defeating strong opponents like South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Pakistan in multiple bilateral series.
India also clinched the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup hosted in the USA and West Indies. Their performance during the tournament included a flawless group stage, a nail-biting semifinal victory over Australia, and a commanding win against England in the final. The batting of Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and the bowling of Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi played crucial roles.
This consistency allowed India to retain their number one position in T20Is with a rating of 274, ahead of England (256) and Pakistan (251).
India Rises in ODIs, Puts Pressure on Australia
In the ODI format, India climbed to the second spot, only six points behind Australia. This came after a spectacular showing in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup hosted on home soil, where India finished as runner-up to Australia in the final at Ahmedabad. Since then, the Indian team regrouped, analyzed its weaknesses, and responded with dominant performances in ODIs against Sri Lanka, South Africa, and New Zealand.
KL Rahul’s leadership, Shubman Gill’s form at the top, and the finishing capabilities of Rinku Singh have rejuvenated the side. India now holds 119 points in the ODI rankings. The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan will play a major role in determining whether India can dethrone Australia from the top.
Australia Holds Its Ground in Test Rankings
In Test cricket, Australia continues to reign supreme. Pat Cummins and his team demonstrated tactical brilliance, especially during the 2023 Ashes series, which they retained with a 2-2 draw in England. The World Test Championship Final 2023 against India, which Australia won at The Oval, further strengthened their case as the most complete red-ball side.
Over the past two years, Australia defeated South Africa 2-0 at home, thrashed West Indies 2-0 away, and edged past New Zealand in a tough 1-1 draw. Their squad blended youth and experience seamlessly. Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith delivered consistent runs, while Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland formed a lethal attack.
Australia currently tops the Test rankings with 128 points, followed by India (121) and England (114). With a five-match Test series against India lined up for late 2025, the top spot could soon see a battle.
Sri Lanka’s Surprise Jump: Quiet Revolution Bears Fruit
One of the most notable surprises in this ICC rankings update came from Sri Lanka. Their team jumped two places in T20Is and one place in ODIs. Captain Dasun Shanaka and coach Chris Silverwood deserve full credit for transforming the Lankan squad, often filled with young and lesser-known players, into giant-killers.
Their victories over South Africa and New Zealand, especially in away conditions, highlighted their progress. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga led from the front, and opening batsman Pathum Nissanka added stability to the lineup. Their fitness levels improved, and the team’s confidence grew, especially during crunch moments.
Sri Lanka now sits fifth in T20Is and sixth in ODIs. With another year of consistent performances, they could threaten the traditional “Big Four” of India, Australia, England, and New Zealand.
England Falls Behind in ODIs and T20Is
England’s fall in the limited-overs rankings has raised several questions. Once the pioneers of aggressive white-ball cricket, England now finds itself fourth in T20Is and third in ODIs. Their problems began with the group-stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup and a 3-0 series loss to South Africa at home.
Critics argue that England failed to transition from the Morgan-Stokes era. While Jos Buttler remains a key figure, the younger crop hasn’t delivered consistently. Bowlers like Mark Wood and Reece Topley suffered injuries, and the lack of quality spin options hurt them on turning tracks.
Unless England recalibrates its strategy and integrates new talent effectively, its hold on limited-overs cricket will continue to slip.
Pakistan Shows Promise but Inconsistency Prevails
Pakistan’s position remains strong on paper—third in T20Is and fourth in ODIs—but their performances lack the consistency needed to break into the top two. The Babar Azam-led side produced sensational moments, such as the historic T20I series win in New Zealand and strong performances in the Asia Cup.
However, injuries to Shaheen Afridi, inconsistent middle-order batting, and leadership changes have made progress uneven. Pakistan’s real test will come during the Champions Trophy at home in early 2026. If they can win that, they could finally climb to the top of the white-ball world.
What’s Next? Upcoming Fixtures to Watch
The ICC’s next ranking update in October 2025 will include some major tournaments and bilateral series. These fixtures will directly impact team positions:
- India vs Australia Test Series – A blockbuster five-match series, likely to shape Test supremacy for the next year.
- Champions Trophy 2025 (Pakistan) – ODI heavyweights will clash in early 2026, but qualifying teams begin preparations and warm-ups by late 2025.
- New Zealand Tour of England – An important T20 and ODI series that could change the middle rankings.
- West Indies vs Sri Lanka – A clash of two resurging teams looking to break into the top five.
Final Thoughts
India and Australia continue to lead by example. India’s white-ball dominance and Australia’s Test brilliance result from clear strategy, quality bench strength, and robust domestic systems. However, the competition below them has tightened. Sri Lanka’s rise, Pakistan’s potential, and England’s setbacks add drama to the rankings race.
The 2025-26 season promises intensity, surprises, and possibly a new champion at the top. Teams know they can no longer depend on legacy; they must perform consistently. For fans, that’s the best news of all.
