Indian captain says the No. 1 Test ranking can’t be compared with the T20 World Cup victory in 2007.

By Faisal Kamal

Mahender Singh Dhoni was walking nine feet tall Sunday night. So what if Delhi’s Ferozeshah Kotla had shamed him and India just a few hours back? Dhoni was the captain of a team that had finished the year as the No. 1 Test team in the ICC world rankings. And, it was coronation time!

On behalf of Team India, Dhoni received the ICC mace, the symbol of Test supremacy. Looking dapper in a blazer combination with an Indian crest, Dhoni had Virender Sehwag for company as ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat handed over the coveted trophy at a seven-star hotel in Delhi.

The formalities done, the photo sessions over, the ever-hungry media was now gunning for newsy ‘quotes’ and the topic was obvious. But ICC’s media manager Samiul Hasan ensured a notorious Kotla would not dampen ICC party night. It definitely gave Dhoni a sigh of relief.

India achieved the number-one position after winning the three-Test series against Lanka 2-0 on December 6. India are only the third team after Australia and South Africa to earn this position on the Test Championship table.

On asked whether reaching No. 1 in Test cricket was a bigger achievement than winning the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in 2007, Dhoni was diplomatic. He said, “It’s hard to measure the two achievements. The T20 World Cup win was a triumph in one tournament, but being No.1 in Tests is being rewarded for playing consistent and good cricket over a period of time. So I think that there is no comparison between the two.”

A casually-dressed Sehwag was quick to add: “I am proud to be a part of this team ably led by Dhoni. Both Dhoni and coach Gary Kirsten have done a great job to make this unit into the top Test side of the world.”

Lorgat also credited Team India for reaching the top. He said, “It is well-deserved and a just reward for the hard work and winning performances against Australia, England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka over the past 14 months. India have a strong team with many players like Viru, Sachin (Tendulkar) and Rahul (Dravid) who will become all-time greats.”

However, India’s status as No. 1 is under threat from South Africa and a 2-0 or better series win for the Proteas against England in the ongoing four-match series will return South Africa to the top spot.

Lorgat also added that the real test for India will be playing against South Africa next year. He said, “The hard work now starts for Team India. It is tough to the reach the top but tougher to stay there. It will be fascinating to see India and the Proteas battle it out for supremacy.”