WTC 2027: If the Kolkata Test felt like a tough, hard-earned win for South Africa, the Guwahati Test was completely the opposite. India was outplayed from the start and crumbled to a massive 408-run defeat.

After losing the first Test by 30 runs, this result meant a 2-0 whitewash and a big blow to India’s hopes of making the World Test Championship Final in 2027. The big question now is whether there’s still a path to qualification. The answer is yes, but it won’t be easy.

How India has performed in the WTC 2027 Cycle

So far, India has played nine Tests in this WTC 2027 cycle. Out of these, they have won four, lost four, and drawn one. They drew the England series 2-2, beat West Indies 2-0 at home, and then suffered the 2-0 defeat in South Africa. With these results, India has slipped to fifth place on the WTC points table with a PCT of 48.15.

India’s Remaining Test Matches

India won’t be playing any Test cricket for a few months. Their next series is in August 202,6 when they travel to Sri Lanka for two Tests. After that, they head to New Zealand in October and November for another two-match series.

Their final assignment is a big one as Australia visit India in early 2027 for a five-Test series in January and February. That makes a total of nine Tests still to come before the cutoff in March 2027. The WTC Final is set for June 2027, and only the top two teams will qualify.

What India Needs to Do To Make the Final

For India to reach the WTC 2027 Final, they need a strong finish. Winning all nine remaining Tests would give them a PCT of 74.1. Seven wins, along with one draw and one loss, would put them at 64.8 percent. Six wins with two draws and one defeat equals 61.1 percent. Six wins with one draw and two losses would bring them to 59.3 percent.

WTC 2027: Who Is Ahead of India on the Table

To stay in the race, India will likely need at least six wins, though seven or eight would make their chances much stronger. Winning all nine would completely revive their campaign. At the moment, Australia sits at the top with a PCT of 100, while South Africa is second with 75. South Africa won the 2025 WTC title after beating Australia in the final. Australia were champions in 2023, and New Zealand won the inaugural edition in 2021.

Can India Win Their First WTC Title

India reached the finals in both 2021 and 2023 but fell short. They didn’t make the final in 2025 and will hope to change that in 2027. Apart from their own results, their qualification will depend on how other teams perform as well. Sri Lanka, with a PCT of 66.67, and Pakistan, with 50, are also ahead of them right now. But as we know in cricket, these numbers can change very quickly.

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