As India faces New Zealand in the ongoing Test match in Bengaluru, the stakes are higher than ever for India’s World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final hopes. Currently leading the WTC points table, India has set a target of 107 runs for New Zealand in the first Test. However, a loss here could complicate their path to the WTC final, making the remaining matches more challenging.
WTC Points Table Overview: India in the Lead, But Pressure is Mounting
India is sitting comfortably at the top of the WTC points table, having won 8 of their 11 matches, giving them 98 points and a winning percentage of 74.24%. Australia follows in second place with 90 points and a 62.50% win rate. Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, and New Zealand are all behind, but still in contention, with varying chances of making the final.
India has previously reached both WTC finals, in 2021 and 2023, but this time, New Zealand is threatening to spoil the party. If India loses in Bengaluru, their current equation to easily qualify for the WTC final will be impacted, putting more pressure on their upcoming series, especially the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Impact of a Loss in Bengaluru: A Tougher Road Ahead for India
A defeat in Bengaluru would not be a fatal blow to India’s WTC final hopes, but it would certainly make things more complicated. India still needs to win at least 4 of their remaining 8 matches to secure a place in the WTC final. However, a loss here means they would have to win both of the remaining matches against New Zealand, as well as at least two matches in their upcoming series against Australia.
Even if India achieves these victories, the WTC equation will still depend on results from other teams, leading to a scenario filled with “ifs and buts.” The pressure will increase, making every Test crucial for India’s chances.
Opportunity for South Africa and Other Teams
If New Zealand manages to defeat India, it would shake up the points table and give an advantage to other teams, especially South Africa. South Africa, currently fifth in the standings with a 38.89% win rate, has three upcoming Test series. Two of these series will be played at home, where they are strong contenders for victories. A slip-up by India would open the door for South Africa and other teams to challenge for a spot in the WTC final.
India’s Easiest Path to the WTC Final
Despite the potential setback, India still has a clear path to the WTC final. If India can win the next two Test matches against New Zealand, followed by at least three victories in their series against Australia, their place in the WTC final would be almost guaranteed. Achieving this will put India in their third consecutive WTC final, which is scheduled to be held at Lord’s in June 2025.
Current World Test Championship Points Table
| Position | Team | played | won | lost | draw | score | Percentage (%) |
| 1 | India (IND) | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 98 | 68.06 |
| 2 | Australia (AUS) | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 90 | 62.5 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka (SL) | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 60 | 55.56 |
| 4 | New Zealand (NZ) | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 48 | 44.44 |
| 5 | England (ENG) | 18 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 93 | 43.06 |
| 6 | South Africa (SA) | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 28 | 38.89 |
| 7 | Bangladesh (BAN) | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 33 | 34.38 |
| 8 | Pakistan (PAK) | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 28 | 25.93 |
| 9 | West Indies (WI) | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 20 | 18.52 |
