India suffered a heavy defeat by eight wickets in the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, halting their momentum towards a third consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final. Despite the setback, India has retained the number 1 spot on the WTC points table, although their percentage points have dropped from 74.24% to 68.06% following the loss.
New Zealand, meanwhile, secured their first Test victory on Indian soil since 1988, climbing to the fourth position on the WTC table. India has played 12 matches in this WTC cycle, winning eight, losing three, and drawing one, giving them 98 points. In contrast, New Zealand has played nine Tests, recording four wins and five losses, with 48 points and a percentage point of 44.4%.
India’s path to the WTC final has become more challenging after the loss. To secure their place, they need to win five of their remaining seven Tests. Australia, sitting second on the table, has a percentage point of 62.50% after winning eight of their 12 matches, with 90 points on the board, eight fewer than India.
Sri Lanka, who whitewashed New Zealand in their previous series, holds the third spot with five wins from nine matches, earning 60 points and a percentage point of 55.56%. England and South Africa occupy the fifth and sixth spots, respectively, while Bangladesh, Pakistan, and West Indies are placed at the bottom of the points table in this WTC cycle.
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