After series loss to SA, India slip below Pakistan in ICC WTC standings

India’s massive 408-run thrashing at the hands of South Africa in the second Test has hampered their ICC World Test Championships standings, as the Gautam Gambhir-coached side slipped below Pakistan and are now at the fifth place after losing the two series 0-2.

For South Africa, the reigning World Test Champions, who sealed only their second Test series win in India after 25 years, the victory bolstered their position in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 Standings.

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The defending champions occupy the second position, right behind Australia, with 36 points from their four Tests. With the win, their PCT improved from 66.67 to 75 while India’s PCT dropped to 48.15.

The series decider in Guwahati began uncertainty for South Africa, but Senuran Muthusamy’s gritty century (109) and Marco Jansen’s near-ton (93) transformed their first innings into an imposing 489. Jansen then carried his momentum into the bowling attack, ripping through India for figures of 6/48 as the hosts mustered only 201.

Choosing rest over enforcement of the follow-on, South Africa batted again and pushed the lead beyond reach, and Tristan Stubbs’ composed 94 headlined their 260/5 before the declaration.

Off-spinner Simon Harmer, already the star of the previous Test in Kolkata, delivered another masterclass. After taking 3/64 earlier in the match, he dismantled India on the final day to complete with a 6/37.

Although Sai Sudarshan and Ravindra Jadeja attempted to prop up India’s resistance, the visitors’ bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. Jadeja top-scored for India with a determined 54 off 87, but the collapse in the second session sealed India’s fate.

Aiden Markram added further gloss to South Africa’s performance with two outstanding catches, underscoring a disciplined fielding effort from the touring side.