The No.1 Test ranking handed to India, after an abysmal show, by Australia, Virat Kohli's men will want to show they belong at the top of the ladder with a comprehensive win over the West Indies in the fourth Test in Port of Spain. India have already won the four-match series 2-0.
That win came thanks to a brilliant performance on the final two days of the third Test match, with the Indians doing everything right, starting with some outstanding swing bowling from Bhuvneshwar Kumar. If India continue along the same vein, they should be able to finish off the series on a high.
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However, there is the worry of rain in this final Test match, with inclement weather forecast in Trinidad. If rain plays its part, India might struggle to fashion a result. Anything less than a win will see India drop down to No.2 in the rankings, with Pakistan taking up the coveted No.1 spot, after their brilliant series draw against England.
That is a scenario that India will not want to imagine, so a win will be the plan for the home team for this fourth Test match.
"It's a nice incentive (to cement the No.1 ranking in Test cricket), but it doesn't really change anything for the team," India skipper Kohli told reporters. "Our goal has been to play good cricket, and we've done that in the past one year or so. We want to continue with the same.
"Even last year, when we won against South Africa, because of some other team losing we became number one, for a brief period. I think to be best side in the world, you need to play consistent cricket for a span of 3-4 years.
"This is a pretty immediate and short term incentive. You have to play good cricket for a sustained period of time to actually be the number one team in the world. We have played good cricket, that's why we've climbed up the rankings."
That sustained period will come later in the year when India play 13 Test matches, but it will be great for the Team to go into the home series, where they will play New Zealand, England, Australia and Bangladesh, as the No.1 team in the world.
West Indies will do everything to stop India from staying on top, and they will look to their fighting spirit from the second Test match to help them towards that. The home team were disappointing in the third Test, with their batsmen folding a little too easily. So, a better batting performance will be imperative.
Where to Watch Live
The 4th and final Test of the India vs West Indies series is scheduled for a 10 a.m. local time (7.30 p.m. IST, 3 p.m. BST) start. Live Streaming and TV information is below.
India: TV: Ten 2, Ten 3 and Ten 1 HD. Live Streaming: Ten Sports Live.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 5. Live Streaming: Watch Sky Sports and Sky Go.
Australia: TV: Fox Sports 5. Live Streaming: Foxtel.
USA: TV: Willow TV. Live Streaming: Willow TV online.
South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa: TV: SuperSport 2. Live Streaming: SuperSport.
UAE: TV: Ten Cricket.
