Cricket fans believe India’s WTC chances may have taken a hit after their shock 1st Test loss to New Zealand at home. The Men in Blue could not muster enough drive to avoid a humiliating 8-wicket defeat at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Starting the three-match Test series with a loss does not augur well for the current T20I world champions.
Standings Before India’s Loss to New Zealand in Bengaluru
India ranked at the summit of the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings before their shock defeat at Bengaluru. The Men in Blue had a 12-point PCT gap (74.2) ahead of second-placed Australia (62.5).
New Zealand languished in 6th place before pulling a surprise performance to down India’s charges in Bengaluru. The Kiwis were at a paltry 37.5 PCT with 3 victories and 5 losses after eight (8) games.
| Pos | Team | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Deductions | Points | PCT |
| 1 | India | 11 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 98 | 74.24 |
| 2 | Australia | 12 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 90 | 62.50 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 60 | 55.56 |
| 4 | England | 17 | 9 | 1 | 7 | 19 | 93 | 45.59 |
| 5 | South Africa | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 28 | 38.89 |
| 6 | New Zealand | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 36 | 37.50 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 33 | 34.38 |
| 8 | West Indies | 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 20 | 18.52 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 16 | 16.67 |
How Things Stand after India’s Bengaluru Loss to New Zealand
India is still at the top of WTC 2023-2025 standings albeit with a slimmer lead. Rohit Sharma and co. currently hold a 6-unit PCT lead (68.0) over second placed Australia (62.5) after playing 12 games each.
New Zealand has played a total of nine (9) games so far and currently sit 4th after their heroics in Bengaluru. The Kiwis now hold a 48-point tally with a 44.4 PCT after beating India away from home.
| Pos | Team | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Deductions | Points | PCT |
| 1 | India | 12 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 98 | 68.06 |
| 2 | Australia | 12 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 90 | 62.50 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 60 | 55.56 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 48 | 44.44 |
| 5 | England | 18 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 19 | 93 | 43.06 |
| 6 | South Africa | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 28 | 38.89 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 33 | 34.38 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 28 | 25.93 |
| 9 | West Indies | 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 20 | 18.52 |
Will the Bengaluru Loss Hurt India’s WTC 2025 Final Chances?
Team India is in no immediate trouble and could progress to the WTC Final next year with a few victories. Gautam Gambhir and his squad will have to dig deep to deliver winning performances against New Zealand to keep their campaign on track.
What Happens If India Draws the Next Test vs New Zealand?
India drawing the remaining Test matches vs New Zealand will be bad news for their qualification chances. A draw will slash their lead at the WTC rankings even further and give teams like Australia a chance to top the standings.
A draw vs New Zealand (4 points) give chasing teams a chance to climb the WTC rankings if they secure a victory (12 points). Australia and Sri Lanka will stand a better chance of qualification if India fails to take maximum points from upcoming Test meetings.
What Happens If India Loses All the Test Matches Left to Qualify for the WTC Final 2025?
In an unlikely turn of events that India loses every game they have left to qualify; the team could be in hot water. Australia will leapfrog the Men in Blue to take first place. Other sides like Sr Lanka (currently 3rd) or New Zealand (currently 4th) could go to the WTC Final in India’s stead.
How Many Matches Does India Have Left to Qualify for the 2023-25 World Test Championship?
India currently has the ongoing Test vs New Zealand and a five-Test series vs Australia to seal their place at the WTC final next year. Current Team India Test skipper Rohit Sharma will be under fire until his side secure their place at the coveted Test championship finals.
Why Do Fans Want Team India to Qualify for the WTC Final 2025?
Team India has played in every WTC Final since the competition kicked off few seasons ago. Fans desire to see their star players feature again in this event as they seek a second international title in 2 years.
