India start their three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against South Africa from Dec 5 assured of retaining its No.1 spot on the ICC ODI rankings table, irrespective of the outcome of the series.

 

 India are ranked first with 122 points while South Africa are  fifth with 107. Even if South Africa sweep the series 3-0, they will only move a place to fourth. But if they win the series by any other margin, they will remain at No.5.

 

 The two sides will play three ODIs Dec 5-11 and two Tests Dec 18-30 in South Africa.

 

 The Indian team leaves for South Africa from Mumbai Sunday night.