When it comes to Test cricket, few stories in modern times are as impressive as India extended dominance at the top of the ICC Test rankings. While Australia may have taken over the No.1 spot in 2022, 2024, and 2025, it was India that held the crown for much of the preceding decade. From 2017 to 2021, and again in 2023, India consistently ruled the Test arena, setting high standards in both home and away conditions. Their reign was marked by resilience, skill, and a transformation in mindset that saw them become a feared and respected force in the longest format.
India’s dominance began in earnest in 2017, under the leadership of Virat Kohli. The team had a potent blend of youth and experience, with a strong batting core and a fast-bowling unit that could finally challenge even on overseas pitches. Their consistency at home was unrivaled, where turning tracks and a fortress-like record helped them overwhelm opposition. But what truly set them apart was their growing ability to win abroad — a challenge that had haunted Indian sides of the past.
Over the next few years, India beat every top team in the world at some point. They won series in Australia (2018-19 and 2020-21), a feat that dramatically altered the cricketing landscape. These historic victories were not only morale boosters but solidified India’s claim to being the best in the world. Their pace battery — featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, and later Mohammed Siraj — was key to their success. Combined with dependable batters like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rohit Sharma, alongside the brilliance of Rishabh Pant and the leadership of Kohli, India had a dream lineup for Test supremacy.
Even when changes occurred in personnel and leadership, the system remained strong. India stayed at the top of the ICC rankings for five consecutive years, from 2017 to 2021, and returned again in 2023. This showed that their dominance wasn’t tied to a single generation but was the result of a robust domestic structure and a commitment to fitness and competitiveness.
In contrast, Australia’s recent rise to the No.1 ranking in 2022, 2024, and now 2025 highlights the cyclical nature of Test cricket. However, India’s sustained presence at the top, winning and competing fiercely across continents, stands as a symbol of a golden era. The fact that they didn’t win the World Test Championship Final in either 2021 or 2023 does not diminish their consistency over the longer stretch.
India’s domination in this period reflects a cultural shift in how the team approached Test cricket. It wasn’t just about flair anymore — it was about grit, preparation, and winning in all conditions. While Australia currently sits at No.1, the shadow of India’s reign still looms large. As cricket fans look back on the 2017-2025 period, the Indian Test team’s sustained excellence will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most commanding eras in the modern game.
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