Aakash Chopra feels that after being whitewashed 0-2 by South Africa in the two-match Test series, India are all but out of the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the 2025-2027 cycle.
India have played nine Test matches in the current cycle, five against England and two apiece versus South Africa and the West Indies. They have won four, lost four, and drawn one encounter. Currently, the Shubman Gill-led side is sitting at No. 5 behind Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. India have a percentage of 48.15, which is very concerning.
The Men in Blue won't play the longest format until August 2026, when they will tour Sri Lanka. Another away series against New Zealand will follow this, and then five Tests against Australia at home in 2027.
Chopra, a former Indian Test opener, feels it will be impossible to achieve a clean sweep against former WTC champions Australia at home.
"We are number five in the WTC table. I don't think we will be able to qualify. If we qualify, it will be a miracle. We are going to face Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and New Zealand in New Zealand and then five matches against Australia at home. Achieving 100 percent points against Australia is next to impossible. We have less than 50 percent points, which is not a good thing," said Chopra while speaking in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel.
Australia, South Africa progress steadily in ongoing WTC
South Africa defeated Australia earlier this year at Lord's to win the World Test Championship for the first time. As things stand in the current cycle, these two arch-rivals are once again dominating the table.
Australia have registered four wins from as many games. Meanwhile, South Africa have three wins and one defeat so far. Australia's percentage is 100, while the Proteas' is 75.
Meanwhile, India and South Africa will now lock horns in a three-match ODI series, starting with the first game in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30.
