Has India Fallen to Fifth Place in WTC Standings After Series Loss to South Africa?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, India's cricket team has plummeted to fifth place in the ICC World Test Championship standings following a devastating 2-0 series loss to South Africa. The latest defeat, marked by a staggering 408-run margin, raises urgent questions about India's performance and prospects in the ongoing WTC cycle.
Key Takeaways
- India suffered a record 408-run defeat against South Africa.
- This loss marks India's heaviest in Test history.
- South Africa achieved only their second Test series win in India.
- India has dropped to fifth place in the WTC standings.
- Key players for South Africa included Muthusamy and Jansen.
New Delhi, Nov 26 (NationPress) India faced a significant drop in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 rankings following a 2-0 series defeat against South Africa at home, culminating in a 408-run loss in the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
South Africa concluded a remarkable Test series in India with an impressive victory in the second Test, finishing with a 2–0 series sweep and achieving only their second-ever Test series win on Indian soil, the first since their historic triumph in 2000.
The scale of the defeat was particularly harsh for the home side. India’s 408-run loss marks the heaviest in their Test history, significantly impacting their initial campaign in the WTC 2025–27 cycle.
The WTC standings shifted dramatically as this decisive win strengthened South Africa’s position at the top of the points table. With 36 points from four matches, the reigning champions reached a 75% points percentage, consolidating their second-place standing behind Australia.
Conversely, India dropped to fifth position, overtaken by Pakistan, with their PCT falling to 48.15.
The series decider in Guwahati began shakily for South Africa, but Senuran Muthusamy’s resilient century (109) and Marco Jansen’s near-century (93) turned their first innings into a formidable 489. Jansen then shifted gears into the bowling attack, dismantling India with figures of 6/48 as the hosts could only manage 201.
Opting to bat again rather than enforcing the follow-on, South Africa expanded their lead, with Tristan Stubbs contributing a composed 94 to their total of 260/5 before declaring.
Off-spinner Simon Harmer, already the standout from the previous Test in Kolkata, showcased another stellar performance. After taking 3/64 earlier, he dismantled India on the final day with 6/37.
Despite Sai Sudarshan and Ravindra Jadeja’s efforts to bolster India’s resistance, the visitors’ bowlers consistently struck, with Jadeja top-scoring for India with a determined 54 off 87 balls, but the collapse in the second session sealed India’s fate.
Aiden Markram further highlighted South Africa’s performance with two exceptional catches, reflecting a disciplined fielding effort from the touring side.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge this significant setback for Indian cricket. The recent series loss against South Africa not only reflects on the players' current form but also raises questions about the team's strategies moving forward. It is imperative for the team to regroup and analyze their performance critically if they aim to reclaim their position in the WTC standings.
NationPress
26/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused India's loss against South Africa?
India's loss stemmed from a combination of poor batting performance and South Africa's strong bowling, highlighted by Marco Jansen's impressive figures.
How does this loss affect India's position in the WTC standings?
This loss has pushed India down to fifth place, overtaken by Pakistan, and has significantly impacted their points percentage.
When was India's heaviest Test loss prior to this?
Before this match, India's heaviest Test defeat was not as significant in terms of runs, making this 408-run loss a record.
What are the implications for India's future matches?
India needs to reassess its strategies and performance to improve in future matches, especially in the ongoing WTC cycle.
Who were the standout performers in the match?
Senuran Muthusamy and Marco Jansen were key players for South Africa, while Ravindra Jadeja top-scored for India.
