India’s path to WTC 2027 Final gets tougher after 0–2 loss to South Africa
WTC 2027
India’s defeat to South Africa has made their WTC 2025–27 qualification difficult, but the team can still make the final if they win most of their remaining nine Tests.
Mumbai, November 27, 2025 – India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship 2025–27 final have taken a major hit after the 0–2 defeat to South Africa. The loss has pushed India down to the middle of the table with only a little over 48 percent points from the nine Tests played so far. The setback has increased the pressure on the team as they now have nine more Tests left in this cycle, and each one has become crucial.
Mathematically, India still have a chance to qualify, but the margin for error has become extremely small. To stay in the race, the team will need to win six or seven of the remaining Tests. The upcoming fixtures include away tours to Sri Lanka and New Zealand, followed by a high-pressure home series against Australia. All three assignments present different challenges, and even one poor result can derail India’s hopes.
The away matches are expected to be particularly tricky. Conditions in Sri Lanka can be spin-heavy and unpredictable, while New Zealand’s pace and weather conditions have troubled India several times in the past. In both tours, the team will need solid batting performances and disciplined bowling, something that has been inconsistent in recent months. Senior players are expected to shoulder responsibility, and the middle order will need to find stability quickly.
The home series against Australia offers some advantage, but even then, India cannot afford more than one slip if they want to remain in contention. Analysts point out that the team’s recent performances have shown gaps in both batting and bowling, especially in dealing with pressure situations. If these issues continue, the chances of making the final will fade rapidly.
Cricket experts believe the situation is challenging but not impossible. Some former players have said that qualifying would almost feel miraculous, given the tough road ahead. Others think the team can recover if they approach each match like a knockout and fix the mistakes that hurt them in the South Africa series. India will need sharper bowling plans, stronger partnerships with the bat, and quicker adaptation to pitch conditions.
Another factor in India’s favour is that other teams in the WTC cycle will also drop points as the tournament progresses. This means that if India secure consistent wins, the table can shift in their favour. However, relying on other teams’ results will not be enough. The primary responsibility remains on India to dominate their upcoming games.
For fans, the next few months promise tension and excitement. Every Test match will carry weight, and every session could influence the final standings. For the players, it is a test of temperament as much as technique. The road is steep, but the possibility is still alive — and that alone keeps supporters hopeful that the team can mount a comeback and stay in the hunt for a place in the WTC final.
