First up are the latest released ICC rankings released which saw Indian players climb up the ladder. Rohit Sharma said that he backed his natural stroke-making en route his century in the third ODI. Virat Kohli praised Labuschagne and was satisfied with a series-win with Steven Smith and David Warner in the opposition. And lastly, the Indian captain is confident ahead of their full tour of New Zealand.

Here is a look at those stories in detail.

#1 Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma consolidate their positions at the top

A 2-1 series victory against Australia helped India retain their second position in the ODI team rankings released by the ICC today. Indian captain Virat Kohli gained two rating points to further cement his position at the top of the ODI rankings with 886 points while Indian vice-captain Rohit Sharma (868 points) has also gained three rating points to increase the gap over third-placed Babar Azam (829 points) to 39 points.

Shikhar Dhawan moved up by seven positions to be ranked 15th while KL Rahul also gained 21 places to be ranked 50th in the rankings. Ravindra Jadeja moved up two places in the bowler’s rankings while also going up four places in the all-rounder’s rankings to be ranked 27th and 10th respectively.

Full article: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma dominate; Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja advance up the ladder

#2 Consistent Rohit Sharma trusts natural game

Indian vice-captain Rohit Sharma has stated that he trusted his instincts in the final match of the series as he went about his business nonchalantly to score his 29th ODI hundred.

Sharma scored 119 runs and added crucial runs with captain Virat Kohli (89) to put India on track in their pursuit of Australia’s 287 runs in the decider. Sharma showed the right amount of aggression and calm to craft yet another ODI ton and walk away with the man-of-the-match award.

In the post-match press conference, he said:

Full article: Backed my natural game in series decider, says Rohit Sharma

#3 High praise for Marnus Labuschagne from Indian captain

Indian captain Virat Kohli has praised Australia’s latest sensation Marnus Labuschagne, calling him a player to look out in the future. In the post-match press conference, Kohli highlighted Labuschagne’s positive attitude towards the game, his eagerness to play all the important situations of the game and take it head-on.

Kohli felt that his consistency puts him in line to perform in any format of the game as he is an honest student of the game and gives his 100 percent.

Full article: Virat Kohli tips Marnus Labuschagne for greatness

#4 Virat Kohli happy after series victory against top-notch Australia

Indian captain Virat Kohli revealed that defeating Australia tasted better with David Warner and Steven Smith in the opposition. He stated that beating a top-notch Australian team gave the entire Indian squad immense confidence, especially with the New Zealand tour coming up form January 24.

The last time Australia toured India in early 2019, both Steven Smith and David Warner were still serving their ban for the infamous Sandpaper Gate scandal.

Full article: Series win more satisfying with Smith and Warner in opposition, reveals Virat Kohli

#5 Virat Kohli confident ahead of NZ tour

Indian captain Virat Kohli has sent an early warning to New Zealand as they prepare for a full tour of the country starting January 24. He reminded everyone of their performances in New Zealand last year and stated that putting the entire home team under pressure will help them enjoy their cricket on foreign land.

He said that he wanted nothing less than A-game from the entire team and also not rest on their laurels after winning a couple of games. According to him, consistency and getting the task done will top their agenda for a tough tour of New Zealand.

Full article: Virat Kohli sends early warning to New Zealand

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