Dubai: With the World Cup just around the corner, India will have their eyes on the rankings as a win in the five-match series against South Africa could help Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men go into the quadrennial extravaganza as the number one ODI team.

Currently ranked second in the ICC ODI rankings, India are expected to face stiff competition for the top spot from top ranked Australia, world number four South Africa and fifth ranked England, and according to the ICC website, any of these four teams could start the cricket's flagship event as the number one team.

Even as India lock horns with South Africa from Wednesday, Australia will resume their rivalry with traditional rivals England in a seven-match ODI series starting on Sunday.

Third ranked Sri Lanka, too, could also get to the top spot although pre-event fixtures have not yet been confirmed.