India has slipped down to fifth spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings following a 28-run defeat to England in the series opener held in Hyderabad.
January 28th turned out to be quite a tumultuous day in Test cricket. England and West Indies clinched memorable victories on opposite ends of the world, causing a major shake-up in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Despite India holding a 190-run lead in the first innings, they faced a historic defeat. On the other hand, West Indies had Shamar Joseph to credit for their triumph over Australia, marking their first win on Australian soil since 1997.
The team that reached the World Test Championship (WTC) finals twice, previously securing the second spot below Australia, now finds itself trailing behind South Africa, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, witnessing a decline in their points percentage from 54.16 to 43.33.
India briefly enjoyed the top position after a quick triumph over South Africa in Cape Town, securing a 1-1 series draw earlier this month. However, their reign at the top was short-lived, as Australia’s clean sweep against Pakistan propelled them to the pinnacle.
In the current 2023-25 WTC cycle, India has clinched two victories and a draw in five Tests but faced setbacks against South Africa and England. The recent loss to England impacted their standings, leading to a downward slide.
Notably, England, despite defeating India, saw a dip in the standings. On the flip side, West Indies made a significant leap, securing the seventh spot with an impressive increase in points percentage after their remarkable win against Australia at the Gabba.
The WTC rankings are witnessing constant shifts as teams fiercely compete for supremacy. As the competition unfolds, cricket enthusiasts can anticipate an unpredictable and thrilling journey, with each match playing a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of teams in the championship.
The Indian team is gearing up for the second test of the ongoing five-match series at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, starting on Friday, February 2. India aims to bounce back after the surprising defeat in the opener, while England seeks to maintain their positive momentum. The upcoming fixtures will also raise curiosity about the kind of pitches India will provide for the series.
