India's campaign in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 has suffered a significant blow after a 0-2 series defeat against South Africa. The loss in the second Test at the Guwahati Stadium by a margin of 408 runs, has resulted in India slipping to fifth place in the WTC standings, falling behind Pakistan.
Under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir, India's performance in the current WTC cycle has been inconsistent, with four wins, four defeats, and one draw. The comprehensive defeat in Guwahati has further impacted their points percentage, leading to their decline in the rankings. This loss is India's biggest ever defeat in Test cricket by runs. It also marks the first time India has lost consecutive Test series at home in the 21st century.
South Africa, on the other hand, has solidified their position near the top of the table, currently sitting in second place with 36 points from four matches. The Proteas have demonstrated a strong performance, losing only one match in the cycle to Pakistan earlier in the year. Their commanding victory in the India series has significantly boosted their chances of reaching the WTC final. This series victory marks South Africa's second in India and their first Test series win in India in 25 years.
Australia continues to lead the WTC standings, maintaining the No. 1 spot with a perfect record of four wins in four matches. Their flawless performance places them comfortably ahead of the competition as the race for the next WTC final intensifies.
Here is a look at the updated WTC standings:
- Australia: 4 matches, 4 wins, 0 losses, 48 points, 100.00%
- South Africa: 4 matches, 3 wins, 1 loss, 36 points, 75.00%
- Sri Lanka: 2 matches, 1 win, 0 losses, 1 draw, 16 points, 66.67%
- Pakistan: 2 matches, 1 win, 1 loss, 0 draws, 12 points, 50.00%
- India: 9 matches, 4 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw, 52 points, 49.52%
- England: 6 matches, 2 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw, 26 points, 36.11%
- Bangladesh: 2 matches, 0 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, 4 points, 16.67%
- West Indies: 5 matches, 0 wins, 5 losses, 0 draws, 0 points, 0.00%
- New Zealand: 0 matches, 0 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws, 0 points, 0.00%
The WTC standings are determined by the percentage of points earned, making every Test match crucial in the battle for the top two spots and a place in the final. With the recent series loss, India will need to regroup and improve their performance in the remaining matches to have a chance at qualifying for the WTC final.
