South Africa’s gritty 30-run victory over India in the opening Test at Eden Gardens has triggered a significant shake-up in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings for the 2025–27 cycle, with the visitors surging into second place and India slipping to fourth. The result, South Africa’s first Test win on Indian soil since 2010, has propelled them to 24 points and a points percentage (PCT) of 66.67. The reigning world champions now sit just behind table-toppers Australia, who hold a perfect 100 per cent record.Sri Lanka, previously second, have dropped to third with an identical PCT of 66.67 but fewer points, while India—who began the series in third place—have fallen to fourth with a PCT of 54.17.
India’s defeat, which came while chasing a modest 124, proved costly in the WTC race. With regular captain Shubman Gill unavailable due to a neck injury, the hosts faltered against South Africa’s disciplined attack and were bowled out for 93. Simon Harmer, who claimed eight wickets in the match, and Keshav Maharaj played decisive roles, backed by left-arm quick Marco Jansen’s early blows. For South Africa, the victory capped off a valuable haul of 12 away points and marked their second win in three matches of the WTC cycle. The visitors, who previously drew their series in Pakistan and won the WTC final at Lord’s earlier this year, now find themselves well placed as the race for the 2025–27 cycle gathers pace.
With the standings now reshuffled and the series delicately poised, both teams turn their attention to the second Test, which begins on Saturday at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
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