England secure top T20I ranking after 4-0 series win against India

By Karan Malhotra — 11 July 2026 — 3 min read

England has ascended to the top position in the latest ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings following a dominant performance against India. The team secured a 4-0 series victory at home, concluding a significant run for India at the top of the rankings.

The series saw England deliver clinical wins, including a comprehensive 56-run victory in the fifth and final T20 International in Southampton. This result marked the end of India‘s more than 1,600-day reign as the No. 1 T20I team, a position they had held since February 2022.

Buttler and Brook’s Record Partnership

A pivotal moment in the series came during the fifth T20I in Southampton, where Jos Buttler and Harry Brook formed a record-breaking partnership. The duo combined for a 233-run stand for the second wicket, setting a new T20I record for any wicket. Buttler scored 131 runs off 64 balls, while Brook contributed an explosive 95 not out from just 45 deliveries.

Buttler‘s century was a highlight, and he also achieved his quickest half-century in T20Is during this innings. Brook, on the other hand, raced to his half-century in just 19 balls. Their combined effort led England to a formidable total of 257/3 in their 20 overs.

The England skipper had publicly stated the team’s ambition to reach the No. 1 spot before the final T20I, a goal they successfully achieved with this series whitewash. The performance showcased a strong batting display, particularly from the top order.

India’s Challenges and Bowling Woes

For India, the series defeat resulted in their slip to the second position in the rankings. This 4-0 loss followed a 2-0 series defeat against Ireland late last month, contributing to their overall decline in form. Under the new regime led by Shreyas Iyer, India has not secured a victory since their World Cup win in Ahmedabad earlier this year.

In the fifth T20I, despite a challenging target, India managed to score 201/8 in their 20 overs. Ishan Kishan scored 56 off 35 balls, and Tilak Varma added 53 off 25 balls. However, these contributions were not enough to challenge England‘s dominant total.

India‘s bowling attack faced significant pressure throughout the series, particularly in the final match. Buttler and Brook collectively hit 16 sixes, with eight from each player. Bowlers like Axar Patel conceded 63 runs in 4 overs, and Prince Yadav gave away 60 runs in his four overs. The absence of Harshit Rana due to a grade 1 hamstring tear further impacted the team’s bowling options, leading to the inclusion of less experienced players like Suryansh Shedge.

The series began with a rain-affected match in Chester-le-Street, but England went on to dominate the subsequent four games. This included handing India their largest defeat in T20Is in Nottingham and successfully chasing down 159 runs in just 13.4 overs in Bristol. The comprehensive nature of the defeat has led to calls for a review of India‘s performance under captain Shreyas Iyer.

The series highlighted a contrast in team dynamics, with reports suggesting a divided dressing room for India and a lack of trust among players due to frequent changes. This situation, coupled with a strategy that may have worked on home pitches but struggled internationally, contributed to their performance. The final match in Southampton concluded on Saturday.