India slip to fifth on WTC table after Hyderabad humbling

In a recent turn of events, India has dropped three spots to fifth place in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table after a 28-run loss to England in the series opener in Hyderabad. The two-time WTC finalists, previously standing second behind Australia, now find themselves below South Africa, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, with their points percentage decreasing from 54.16 to 43.33.

India briefly held the top spot after a swift victory against South Africa in Cape Town, securing a 1-1 series draw earlier this month. However, their stint at the pinnacle was short-lived as Australia’s series sweep against Pakistan catapulted them to the top position.

In the ongoing 2023-25 WTC cycle, India has managed two wins and a draw in five Tests but suffered defeats against South Africa and England. The recent loss to England proved costly in the standings, prompting a slide down the rankings.

Interestingly, England, despite emerging victorious against India, witnessed a drop in the standings. West Indies, on the other hand, experienced a significant leap, claiming the seventh spot with an impressive points percentage boost following their remarkable win against Australia at the Gabba.

The WTC standings continue to witness fluctuations as teams engage in fierce battles for supremacy. As the competition unfolds, cricket enthusiasts are in for an unpredictable and exciting journey, with each match playing a crucial role in shaping the destiny of teams in the championship.

The Indian team is set to play the second test of the ongoing five-match series at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, starting on Friday, February 2. India will be eager to make a comeback after the shocking defeat in the opener. Meanwhile, England will be eager to maintain their good run of form in the series and the momentum they gained in the opening match. Now, it will be interesting to see what kind of pitches are going to be provided by India in the upcoming fixtures of the series.