Indian cricket is facing a moment of reckoning after a disappointing run in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. The team’s struggles reached a new low when they were handed a crushing 408-run defeat by South Africa in the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Chasing a massive target of 549, India were bowled out for just 140, marking a painful end to the first ever Test match held at the venue. The loss also sealed a 0-2 whitewash at home against the defending 2025 WTC champions, placing India’s hopes of reaching the 2027 WTC final in serious doubt.
Despite the setbacks, India are not yet out of contention. They still have a mathematical chance to finish in the top two but the road ahead is extremely challenging. India must avoid defeat in all of their remaining nine Tests, four of which will be played away from home. Winning all nine matches would secure their place in the top two regardless of how other teams perform. However, even a single loss would leave their fate dependent on the results of other contenders. At present, India stand at 48.15 PCT% and can reach a maximum of 74.07 by winning every remaining fixture, a percentage that would almost certainly guarantee qualification.
One of the toughest hurdles in India’s schedule is the upcoming tour of New Zealand. India have not won a Test series there since 2009 under MS Dhoni and their recent record is worrying. Since the beginning of the WTC in 2019, India have played eight Tests against New Zealand and lost six, including three successive defeats in last year’s home series. Their last visit to New Zealand in 2020 resulted in heavy losses in both Tests under Virat Kohli’s leadership. Team India’s most recent Test win in the country dates back to March 2009, when they defeated the hosts by 10 wickets at Hamilton’s Seddon Park.
Once the away assignments end in 2026, India will host Australia for the 2027 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will feature five Tests in the first quarter of the year. India have whitewashed Australia in a home Test series only once, a memorable 4-0 triumph under MS Dhoni in 2013. With such demanding challenges ahead, India’s WTC journey remains alive but the margin for error is now nonexistent.
Will India reach the top two? What do you think?
