Can India make it to WTC 2027 Final? Qualification scenario explained

Team India’s inability to earn a win in the second Test of the two‑match series against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo has hurt their chances of qualifying for the final of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025‑27 cycle.

India’s points percentage (PCT) after winning the series opener in Galle stood at 53.33. But the draw at the SSC has reduced their PCT to 51.52. Notably, having a PCT of 60% or above gives teams a reasonable chance of qualifying for the summit clash.

Australia (67.54%) and South Africa (69.44%) had a points percentage in excess of 65% in the previous WTC cycle, helping them book their tickets for the final. However, India’s PCT was only 58.80% when they qualified for the final showdown of the WTC 2023‑25 cycle.

Matches remaining for India in the ongoing WTC 2025‑27 cycle

India have two more series left in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. Their next assignment is a two‑match Test series against New Zealand. The series opener will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19, whereas the second Test will get underway on November 27 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Their final assignment will be the Border‑Gavaskar Trophy, a five‑match Test series on home soil, starting January 21.

How can India qualify for the final of the WTC 2025‑27 cycle?

India require 62 more points from their remaining games (7) to reach a PCT of 60%. To earn that many points, the Shubman Gill‑led side needs to win at least five matches and secure a draw. However, it seems a very daunting challenge. India haven’t won a Test series in New Zealand in their last two tours in 2013/14 and 2019/20. Their last red‑ball series win in New Zealand came in 2008/09.

They suffered a 2‑0 (2) loss to South Africa in the previous Test series they played at home. Therefore, the series against Australia will be a major challenge.