India on Monday trounced New Zealand by 178 runs in the second test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata to secure the three-match series and reclaim top spot in the world rankings from arch-rivals Pakistan.
The New Zealand team were all out for 197 while chasing a target of 376 for victory at Eden Gardens to give India a comfortable 2-0 lead in the ongoing three test match series.
The visitors showed some spark in the starting session but their whole team struggled in the post-tea session and the side was bowled out for 197 in 81.1 overs.
India will return to the top of the International Cricket Council test rankings irrespective of the result of the third and final test in Indore which starts on Saturday.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) press release, the team rankings will be updated at the end of the ongoing series.
Meanwhile, India's number one position is guaranteed irrespective of the result of the third and final test which will be played from October 8-12 in Indore.
The splendid performance from the Indian bowlers with spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja and fast bowler Mohammed Shami picking up three wickets each helped the home team in sealing the crucial series.
New Zealand opener Tom Latham played a 74 runs inning who was the highest scorer from his side. The cricket crazy nation have previously been at the top of the table from November 2009 to August 2011, and then briefly during January-February 2016 and in August 2016.
The ICC Test Championship mace will be presented to the Indian captain Virat Kohli, details of which will be announced later.
Their next goal will be to put the number-one ranking beyond the reach arch-rivals Pakistan which is confident after historic performance against England, and this will only be possible if they win or draw the third and final Test at Indore.
