India’s campaign in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship has encountered a significant setback following consecutive defeats to South Africa in their two-Test series. The losses have pushed the Men in Blue to fifth place on the WTC points table, with four wins from nine matches and a points percentage (PCT) of 48.15. With nine Tests still remaining, India faces a critical stretch if they hope to secure a place in the WTC final, scheduled for June 2027 at Lord’s.
Looking ahead, India’s remaining fixtures are spread across three challenging tours and a home series. They will play two Tests in Sri Lanka in August 2026, followed by two in New Zealand during October and November 2026. The campaign concludes with five Tests at home against Australia in January and February 2027. In the ideal scenario, India would win all nine remaining games, taking their total points to 160 and boosting their PCT to 74.07, an outcome that would almost certainly book their spot in the final. However, given their current form and historical struggles in New Zealand, this is easier said than done.
The math behind the qualification race
India have already played more matches than any other team in this WTC cycle, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who are currently above them in the standings, have completed just two games each. New Zealand, meanwhile, is yet to begin its campaign. Past cycles indicate that a PCT above 60 is typically enough to reach the final.
To cross that threshold, India needs to win at least seven of the nine remaining matches. Scenarios such as six wins, two draws, and one loss would take the PCT to 61.11, while seven wins and two losses would push it to 62.96. Conversely, losing three games would likely end their WTC aspirations.
Shubman Gill and the rest of the batting lineup must rediscover consistency, while the bowlers will need to deliver at crucial moments. Each remaining match is effectively a must-win for India, who now find themselves in a high-pressure phase of the WTC cycle. How the team navigates these next nine Tests will determine whether they have a realistic shot at returning to the WTC final.