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India’s Virat Kohli slipped a rung but is still the best-placed Indian batsman at No 3 in the latest the International Cricket Council One-Day batsmen's rankings, released on Tuesday.
Kohli, who has lost a place following South African Hashim Amla's ascension, will have a chance to climb the ladder again when he takes the field against Sri Lanka in the five-match ODI series, commencing November 2.
Only two ratings points separate the Amla and Kohli in the table, which continues to be headed by South Africa’s A B de Villiers.
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is unmoved at number six but Shikhar Dhawan lost a place and is placed ninth.
In the bowlers' rankings, India's Ravindra Jadeja and Bhuvneshwar Kumar stay rooted at the sixth and seventh respectively.
South Africa moved to the top of the ODI team rankings for the first time in five years, the Proteas climbing above Australia following their 2-0 series triumph in New Zealand.
The last time South Africa headed the ODI rankings was in September 2009 but they slipped down the standings after their first round elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy at home later that month.
South Africa trailed Australia by one point before the three-match ODI series against New Zealand and though the third and final match in Hamilton was washed out on Monday, the 2-0 result was enough to take them up to the top of the table.
The No 1 ranking comes as a welcome boost for the side ahead of the 50-over World Cup being held in Australia and New Zealand early next year.
Reigning World champions India are in third spot while 2011 runner-up Sri Lanka are next with four points separating the top four nations.
Reliance ICC ODI Team Rankings (as on 28 October, after New Zealand-South Africa series)
1. South Africa 115
2. Australia 114
3. India 113
4. Sri Lanka 111
5. England 107
6. Pakistan 98
7. New Zealand 96
8. West Indies 96
9. Bangladesh 69
10. Zimbabwe 58
11. Afghanistan 42
12. Ireland 33