With three back-to-back series wins, India deserved to be the number one side in the ICC ODI rankings, said former captain Sourav Ganguly here today.
"They have been playing well in the last three series. They beat England in England, won against the West Indies and now here too they have clinched the series," Ganguly told reporters on the sidelines of CAB's programme to celebrate 150 years of Eden Gardens.
Currently placed at number three behind South Africa and Australia, India have an opportunity to jump to the top in the ICC ODI team rankings if they win the upcoming five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka 4-1 or better.
A 4-1 series win will put India at par with South Africa on 115 ratings points, but when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point, then the Men in Blue will be ranked number one.
A 5-0 sweep will mean India will take a two-point lead over South Africa.
Ganguly, who is now the CAB's joint secretary, further said he would be seen in a duel role during the match as he would also be doing commentary during the fourth ODI here on Thursday.
"Yes, I will be seen in both the capacities," he said with a smile. "Here everything is well organised," he said on cricket administration. From Bengal's perspective glovesman Wriddhiman Saha, who was part of the first three ODIs, will not be seen as he has been 'rested'.
On Saha, who scored a 69-ball 84, to seal Bengal's mammoth 163-run win against Jharkhand in the East Zone league of the Vijay Hazare Trophy One-Day tournament here, Ganguly said, "Selectors will have to tell us officially. We can't always talk about selection."
"They have already picked the side there's no point talking about it now. They have not yet informed us officially whether he's been rested. So I can't comment."
Ganguly, however, felt Manoj Tiwary should have been part of the Indian side but added there's nothing to be disappointed about it.
"According to me, Tiwary should have been very much part of the side. But there's nothing to be disappointed about it," he said.