Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram said India are the number one side in the world despite what the official rankings say.

Speaking to Mobile ESPN, the cricketer-turned-commentator said: "India have perfromed very well. Their bowlers have been brilliant and batting has touched new heights."

Akram lauded India's fast bowlers for chipping in with breakthroughs with the new ball on slow and flat Indian tracks.

"In two consecutive series, (against Australia and Sri Lanka), Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan won the Man of the Series awards. That goes to say a lot about the team"

"The best thing with the Indian team is that f one fails, the other takes over."

Akram said he was amazed to look at India's ability to cope with the mental and physical pressure.

"India have been playing so much cricket over the entire year and I am amazed to see their consistency. They won against England earlier this year, then they went on to beat Australia and now defeated England at home."

However, Akram said India needed to go more aggressively for a win in the second Test in Mohali against England

"As a cricketer, I feel India should have gone for the kill."

"The late declaration allowed England to escape with a draw. A target of 300 plus in 65 overs would have won India the Test."

"Maybe the bowlers were tired. They have done really well though the spinners did not chip in athat well."

Akram felt it was a great achievement for India to win the "crucial" Test series on the aftermath of the Mumbai tragedy.