India’s WTC campaign suffers blow after embarrasing defeat vs SA; slips from third position

India dropped to fourth in the World Test Championship standings after a heavy defeat to South Africa. Here's how the loss impacts their WTC campaign and future chances.

Team India (Image Credit: BCCI)

Team India suffered an embarrassing loss against South Africa at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. With the 30-run defeat, India’s dream of playing in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 Final seems to slip away. While the Men in Blue once occupied the third position in the points table have now slipped one position and have landed in fourth place. With just four wins in eight matches, they now have a PCT of 54.16 and are one place above Pakistan.

Despite a spectacular performance in England and against the West Indies, India are back to struggling their way into the WTC Final. While chasing 124 runs, India were bowled out for 93 runs, losing a Test match against the Proteas after 15 years on the home turf. After losing the New Zealand series last year, there are chances of India getting defeated in another home series.

In place of India, South Africa have climbed to the second position with two wins out of three matches with a PCT of 66.67. Captain Temba Bavuma has kept his winning streak going with 10 wins in 11 matches and one draw game. South Africa are the reigning champions of the WTC and have truly played like one in the first Test against England.

Can Gautam Gambhir return to winning ways in Test cricket?

India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has had an illustrious career as a cricketer for India. Following his IPL 2024 win for KKR as a mentor, BCCI appointed him as the head coach of the Indian team with a lot of expectations. While the Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri era of red-ball cricket was completely dominating, the Rohit Sharma-Rahul Dravid duo did justice to their role.

Also read: Fans bash head coach Gautam Gambhir after India’s loss to South Africa in 1st Test

However, ever since Gambhir has taken up the role of the head coach, things have gone downhill for the Men in Blue, especially in Test cricket. Starting from losing the home series to New Zealand to losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade, Gambhir and Co. have suffered huge losses. India couldn't even qualify for the WTC Final this time, which was disappointing.

Now, with the WTC Final approaching and India’s performance deteriorating once again, the Indian team will look for solutions to the issues they have had until now. Moreover, Gambhir will have to work on many things as well, including understanding pitch conditions and team selection. Every match is important from now on and if India keep on losing, the head coach will have to face some serious consequences in the future.

How to watch India vs South Africa, 2nd Test?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa, 2nd Test online from November 22 on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Rishabh Pant's massive statement on India's defeat against South Africa

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