Team India lose top spot in WTC standings to Australia after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat
Following Team India's humiliating 3-0 series loss at home to New Zealand, Australia have climbed to the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. Rohit Sharma and co. were at the top of the tree until now, but a third consecutive defeat to the Black Caps have brought them down to No. 2.
The historic series loss at home has increased India's tally of defeats in the current WTC tally to five in 14 matches along with eight wins. It has made their path to the final of the same even more tricky as they need to beat Australia in their next series Down Under by a 4-1 scoreline. Their percentage points have also dropped to 58.33.
The Indian team were left with a tricky target of 147 to chase down, but lost wickets in clumps and were left reeling at 29/5 at one stage. Rishabh Pant top-scored with 64 but fell at the wrong stage of the same under controversial circumstances. New Zealand eventually bowled India out for 121 to win by 25 runs and seal a stunning 3-0 series sweep.
Australia left with seven more Tests in this World Test Championship cycle
Meanwhile, the Baggy Greens are left with seven more Tests in this cycle, five against India at home, followed by two against Sri Lanka in their backyard. Pat Cummins and co. have suffered three losses in this cycle, two to England and one to the West Indies. While they have a good chance of beating India at home, their chances of reaching the WTC final could be in jeopardy if they lose to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, are formidable at home, evidenced by their 2-0 series win over the Kiwis recently. New Zealand and South Africa are also in firm contention to reach the WTC final.