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What's the story?
The Indian National football team is expected to move two places up to 97th in the next FIFA world rankings update in April. India, who just made the top 100 in the last rankings, will move further up even after losing their only fixture in March against the Kyrgyz Republic.
In case you didn't know...
FIFA, the ruling body of football in the world, publishes its rankings every month. A system based on total points, which are calculated by the result of a match, importance of the match and the level of opposition and confederation dictates the final ranking of a country.
The heart of the matter
India is expected to consolidate its position in the top 100 when FIFA publishes its next batch of world rankings. Previously on 99th, India is expected to move two places up to 97th due to a period of good results. India has accumulated 15 points during this period which brings their total to 354.
Even after their latest disheartening defeat to the Kyrgyz Republic, India is expected to continue their surge upwards. The loss ended India's 13-match unbeaten run, which is also an important factor in their latest jump in rankings.
There are also changes to India's fellow AFC qualification group members. The Kyrgyz Republic moves up to 75th, accumulating the most points by any country during this period, while Myanmar is expected to move up to 135th and Macau to remain at 186th.
What's next?
With qualification already achieved for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, India will surely try to build on what has been a good year. In what will be just their fourth appearance in the cup, India will look to continue their latest surge upwards and perform at the highest level.
Author's take
India has been on a surge lately and deservedly moves up in the rankings. However, a defeat to Kyrgyzstan did put an end to their 13-game unbeaten run, will provide some perspective for the upcoming Asian Cup. Hopefully, India can quickly bounce back from the defeat to re-establish that ruthless streak which saw them go on their latest streak and continue their surge upwards in FIFA rankings.
