India's WTC 2025-27 Hopes Dented After Opening Loss: Where Do They Stand?

The new World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle has commenced with thrilling contests, and the initial standings are already taking shape after three fiercely contested Test series. While Australia and England have emerged as early frontrunners, India and the West Indies are looking to gain momentum.

Australia's captain Pat Cummins leads his team off the field following their victory over the West Indies (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

Australia and England currently hold the top two positions in the WTC table, both boasting a perfect 100% points percentage after securing victories in their respective opening matches. Sri Lanka occupies the third spot after concluding their two-match series against Bangladesh with one win and one draw. Bangladesh, with a draw and a loss, is currently in fourth place.

Meanwhile, reigning champions South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan are yet to commence their WTC campaigns in this cycle.

India's opening match did not unfold as planned, despite showing determination at Headingley. The team had five centurions in the match but ultimately faced defeat as England executed a remarkable chase, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-Test Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Chasing a target of 371, England capitalized on a commanding opening partnership between Ben Duckett (149) and Zak Crawley, while Joe Root and debutant Jamie Smith steered the chase to victory with an unbroken partnership. Shubman Gill's team was left to lament a middle-order collapse and dropped catches that proved costly.

Following the match, Gill acknowledged that India had opportunities but failed to seize them. He revealed that India had aimed for a larger lead, but a lack of runs from the lower order hampered their plans.

India will now shift their focus to the second Test at Edgbaston, with hopes of a swift recovery to keep their WTC campaign alive. Currently, however, they are positioned near the bottom of the table alongside the West Indies.

The WTC cycle commenced with Sri Lanka's tour of Bangladesh on June 17 and will continue until the final in 2027.