India currently leads the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings. However, with South Africa and Australia close behind in second and third places, the competition is heating up. As the WTC cycle progresses, every match is influencing the final standings.
Recently, New Zealand’s defeat to England in the first Test at Christchurch did not alter the top three rankings. However, it intensified the race for the top two spots in the final.
The WTC final is scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s. The top two teams at the end of the two-year cycle will secure their places in this highly anticipated match.
Current WTC Standings (Top 5)
- India: 110 points, PCT 61.11
- South Africa: 64 points, PCT 59.26
- Australia: 90 points, PCT 57.69
- New Zealand: 72 points, PCT 50.00
- Sri Lanka: 60 points, PCT 50.00
(Note: Teams are ranked based on the Points Percentage System or PCT.)
How India Can Secure the Final Spot
India’s qualification depends on their performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia. Winning all four Tests will guarantee their place in the final. However, if they do not achieve this, the following scenarios come into play:
Scenario 1: India Wins BGT 3-1
- India will likely remain in the top two.
- However, South Africa must not win the second Test against Sri Lanka. Notably, South Africa already won the first Test by 233 runs.
Scenario 2: India Wins BGT 3-2
- In this case, India’s position will depend on Sri Lanka drawing at least one of their two Tests against Australia in January-February 2025.
Scenario 3: India Draws BGT 2-2
- India will require South Africa to win their series against Sri Lanka 2-0.
- Moreover, Sri Lanka must defeat Australia with a 1-0 series margin.
Scenario 4: India Loses BGT 2-3
- India’s chances will hinge on multiple results:
- New Zealand drawing 1-1 with England.
- South Africa drawing 1-1 against both Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
- Additionally, the Sri Lanka-Australia series must end in a 0-0 draw.
What Lies Ahead
Moving forward, India must focus on dominating the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. At the same time, their qualification prospects will depend on other key matches involving South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Australia.
As the WTC final draws closer, the stakes continue to rise. The battle for the top two spots ensures every Test becomes crucial, keeping fans engaged and players on edge.
