New Zealand has defeated India 3-0 in the three-match Test series. The Kiwis won the first Test in Bengaluru by eight wickets, followed by a 113-run victory in the second Test played in Pune. In the third Test in Mumbai, the New Zealand team secured their win by 25 runs. These three consecutive losses have made India’s path to the World Test Championship (WTC) final extremely difficult. Now, India will only face Australia in a five-match Test series before the final, which will be played in Australia. The Indian team is expected to face competition from Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and South Africa for a spot in the final. Let’s take a look at the current standings in the World Test Championship.
Current Standings
India has suffered from three consecutive Test defeats, dropping from first to second place in the standings. In the 2023-25 cycle, India has played 14 Tests, winning eight, losing five, and drawing one, resulting in a points percentage of 58.33. Australia, now in first place, has played 12 Tests, winning eight, losing three, and drawing one, with a points percentage of 62.50.
Sri Lanka currently holds third place with a points percentage of 55.56. New Zealand’s three consecutive Test victories in India have benefited them, moving them up to fourth place. They have played 11 Tests in this WTC cycle, winning six and losing five, with a points percentage of 54.55. South Africa is in fifth place, having won four out of eight Tests, losing three, and drawing one, giving them a points percentage of 54.17. England is in sixth place with a points percentage of 40.79, Pakistan seventh with 33.33, Bangladesh eighth with 27.50, and West Indies at the bottom in ninth place with 18.52.
How Many Matches Does India Need to Win to Reach the Final?
India will now face Australia in a five-match Test series at their home ground. To secure a place in the final without relying on results from other teams, India must win four out of these five Tests and draw one. Any loss to Australia could eliminate India from contention or force them to rely on other outcomes.
Australia, apart from the five Tests against India, will also play two Tests at home against Sri Lanka. To qualify for the final without depending on other results, Australia must win five out of these seven Tests.
India is facing stiff competition from Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and South Africa. Sri Lanka has four Tests remaining, including two at home against South Africa and two at home against Australia. To reach the final without any dependencies, Sri Lanka must win all four Tests. New Zealand will play three home Tests against England, and they need to win all three to have a chance at reaching the final. A single loss would force them to depend on other outcomes. South Africa will play two home Tests against Sri Lanka and two against Pakistan. They must win all four Tests to secure their place in the final without relying on other teams.