India's Number One Test Ranking is in Danger

Despite two centuries in two innings by two Indian greats (Virendra Sehwag's 109 in the first innings and Sachin Tendulkar's 100 in the second innings), India lost the match within four days by an innings and 6 runs against South Africa here in Nagpur. All the new players failed to capitalize the opportunities they had been given, and selectors also accepted their mistake for selecting players who isn't 100% fit.


In the last 25 years, this is the third time India suffered the humiliation of an innings defeat... and all the three occasions, they lost to South Africa.



In 2000, in Bangalore, India lost by an innings and 71 runs.

In 2008, in Ahmedabad, India lost by an innings and 90 runs.

And in this test, India lost by an innings and 6 runs.



It was also Indian captain MS Dhoni's first defeat in 12 tests.

India will have to surrender the crown of top Test team to South Africa if they fail to win the second and last Test match of the series starting from February 14 at Eden Garden, Kolkata. This time South Africa look very strong and well prepared to become the number one... the team is a mixture of experience and youth, whereas India is really missing the experience of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.

Now India will have to work hard, really very hard to beat South Africa in all departments... batting, bowling, and fielding. Yes... of course, this time Indian team management will have to sit together and select a very good team ... I mean 100% fit team with 5 regular bowlers in the first eleven.