India kicks off its 2024-25 home season with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, beginning in Chennai on September 19. The Men in Blue currently sit atop the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table, with Australia close behind in second place.
So far in this WTC cycle, India has contested three Test series — against the West Indies, South Africa, and England. It secured victories over the Windies and the English, while the series with South Africa ended in a 1-1 draw.
With Australia right on its heels and New Zealand waiting for any slip-up, what must India do to stay in contention for the WTC final? Let’s take a closer look at their current standing on the WTC points table.
Where is India on the World Test Championship 2023-25 points table?
| Position | Team | Matches | Win | Loss | Draw | Deductions | Points | Percent |
| 1. | India | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | -2 | 74 | 68.52 |
| 2. | Australia | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | -10 | 90 | 62.50 |
| 3. | New Zealand | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 50.00 |
| 4. | Bangladesh | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | -3 | 33 | 45.83 |
| 5. | Sri Lanka | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 42.86 |
| 6. | England | 16 | 8 | 7 | 1 | -19 | 81 | 42.19 |
| 7. | South Africa | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 28 | 38.89 |
| 8. | Pakistan | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | -6 | 16 | 19.05 |
| 9. | West Indies | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 20 | 18.52 |
*Updated after England vs Sri Lanka third Test
How many points does India have now?
India accumulated 72 points from six victories, plus an additional four points from their draw against the West Indies in July 2023. However, the team faced a two-point penalty due to slow over rates, leaving Rohit Sharma and his squad at the top of the table with 74 points.
How many points can India win till the end of the 2023-25 WTC season?
After completing the remaining matches, the Indian team has the potential to achieve a PCT of 85.09%. If it maintains its over rates and no matches end in a tie or draw, it could add up to 120 points to their current tally.
Who will India play against till the end of the 2023-25 WTC season?
After hosting Bangladesh, India will face New Zealand in a three-match series at home, before heading to Australia for the final stretch of the WTC season, which includes five Test matches.
What are the scenarios India can find itself in while trying to qualify for the WTC final?
Scenario 1: If India wins all remaining matches
If the Men in Blue go on a winning streak in red-ball cricket, then they will certainly finish the season as table toppers and book a place in the WTC final.
Scenario 2: If India loses all remaining matches
If India goes on to lose all its remaining 10 Test matches, then the side’s PCT will come down to a lowly 32.45. This will end its pursuit of a spot in the final.
Remaining afloat
The trip down under to compete for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a formidable challenge. If India can achieve a clean sweep against both Bangladesh and New Zealand, their PCT will rise to 79.76%. In that scenario, even if they manage to draw just one Test against Australia, their PCT would remain above 60%, keeping them firmly in contention for a top-two spot.
However, if India were to lose all their matches in Australia, it would have to rely on the outcomes of other teams to secure a third consecutive appearance in the World Test Championship final.
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