WTC Points Table: India’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign suffered a major blow after a crushing 408-run defeat to South Africa in Guwahati completed a rare 0–2 home series sweep. The loss dropped India below Pakistan to fifth place in the WTC 2025–27 standings, worsening their points percentage despite having played the most matches this cycle.
The defeat—India’s biggest by runs in Test history—has intensified concerns around their early-cycle performance under head coach Gautam Gambhir, especially with no Test series scheduled until late 2026.
Key Takeaways From India’s Fall in the WTC 2025–27 Standings
- India slipped from 4th to 5th position with a 48.15% PCT after the 408-run defeat in Guwahati.
- South Africa climbed to 2nd place with a 75% PCT, securing their first Test series win in India in 25 years.
- Australia remained No. 1 with a perfect 100% PCT from four matches.
- India recorded their biggest Test defeat by runs, surpassing the 342-run loss to Australia in 2004.
- Harmer and Jansen dominated India across both Tests, claiming multiple six-wicket hauls.
- Aiden Markram set a world record with nine catches in a single Test match.
- India have now faced two home whitewashes in just 13 months, denting their WTC final hopes.
South Africa Break 25-Year Barrier With Dominant Series Win
South Africa ended a long 25-year wait to win a Test series in India, producing a commanding all-round performance across both matches. Their latest triumph came in Guwahati, where India were thoroughly outplayed in every department.
Batting first, South Africa posted 489, powered by Senuran Muthusamy’s composed 109 and Marco Jansen’s explosive 93. Kuldeep Yadav tried to resist with four wickets, but India struggled to build sustained pressure.
In response, India managed only 201, with Jansen ripping through the lineup for a destructive 6 for 48. Despite holding a 288-run lead, the visitors chose not to enforce the follow-on.
India Collapse Again as Harmer Spins a Web
South Africa added another 260/5 declared in their second innings, driven by Tristan Stubbs’ crucial 94 and Tony de Zorzi’s steady 49. This set India an improbable target of 549, which quickly morphed into a nightmare.
India folded for 140 in 63.5 overs, with Simon Harmer taking 6 for 37, dismantling India’s batting with relentless precision. Keshav Maharaj added 2 for 37, completing India’s most lopsided defeat in Test cricket.
Ravindra Jadeja’s gritty 54 stood as the lone moment of resistance, as no other batter crossed even 20 runs.
Aiden Markram Creates Historic Fielding Record
In addition to South Africa’s bowling brilliance, Aiden Markram delivered a record-breaking performance in the field. His nine catches in the match set a new world record for the most catches in a single Test, surpassing Ajinkya Rahane’s previous mark of eight set in 2015.
The Proteas’ quality of fielding, discipline, and consistency sharply contrasted with India’s lack of intensity, contributing significantly to the 408-run margin.
WTC 2025–27 Points Table After India’s Defeat
Below is the updated table as provided by the ICC across multiple sources:
| Position | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Draw | Points | PCT% |
| 1 | Australia | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 100.00 |
| 2 | South Africa | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 75.00 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 66.67 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 50.00 |
| 5 | India | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 52 | 48.15 |
| 6 | England | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 26 | 36.11 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 16.67 |
| 8 | West Indies | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| 9 | New Zealand | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
India’s Biggest Defeats in Tests (By Runs)
| Opponent | Margin | Venue | Year |
| South Africa | 408 | Guwahati | 2025 |
| Australia | 342 | Nagpur | 2004 |
| Pakistan | 341 | Karachi | 2006 |
| Australia | 337 | Melbourne | 2007 |
| Australia | 333 | Pune | 2017 |
| South Africa | 329 | Kolkata | 1996 |
| South Africa | 328 | Durban | 1996 |
| England | 319 | Nottingham | 2011 |
| Australia | 300 | Perth | 1992 |
| Australia | 298 | Adelaide | 2012 |
South Africa’s 408-run victory is also their second-biggest win by runs and their biggest away win ever.
India’s WTC Path Grows Tougher From Here
India’s defeat comes with deeper implications for the WTC cycle. Not only have they slipped below Pakistan to fifth place, but they will also not play another Test series until the second half of 2026. With two home whitewashes in 13 months and inconsistency across batting and bowling, the road to the 2027 WTC final has become significantly narrower.
Unless India deliver a strong resurgence in their upcoming fixtures, their qualification hopes may continue to fade in a rapidly intensifying race.
FAQs on India Slipping Below Pakistan in the WTC 2025–27 Points Table
1. Why did India slip below Pakistan in the WTC 2025–27 standings?
India dropped to fifth after a 408-run loss to South Africa reduced their points percentage to around 48%.
2. What was India’s biggest defeat in Test cricket by runs?
India’s biggest defeat by runs is the 408-run loss to South Africa in the Guwahati Test of 2025.
3. How did South Africa’s win affect the WTC points table?
South Africa moved to second place with a 75% points percentage after their 2–0 series win in India.
4. Who were the standout performers for South Africa in the series?
Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, Muthusamy, and Aiden Markram delivered decisive performances across the series.
5. When will India play their next Test series in the WTC cycle?
India are not scheduled to play another Test series until the second half of 2026.
