India is in a tough position in World Test Championship, says Aakash Chopra
The former India opener analyses India's World Test Championship prospects ahead of the Sri Lanka series.
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India currently sits fifth in the World Test Championship standings with 4 wins and 4 losses from 9 matches, holding a points percentage of 48.150. The team faces a critical two-match Test series against Sri Lanka beginning August 15, 2026, which will significantly impact their WTC qualification prospects.
Aakash Chopra analysed India's position in the championship race and highlighted how the outcomes of the upcoming series against Sri Lanka could reshape the standings dramatically.
"If we lose 2-0, we will remain at only 39 percentage points, and Sri Lanka will jump to 61 percentage points, and they will be No. 4. Sri Lanka will be in the run if they beat India 2-0. Then they have a realistic chance of going forward, or else it's a so-near-yet-so-far story for them," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
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Impact of Sri Lanka series on WTC standings
A victory in the Sri Lanka series would provide India with meaningful gains in the standings. Chopra explained the different scenarios that could unfold depending on the series result.
"If we win this series 2-0, we will reach 57.58 percentage points. If we do a clean sweep, we will gain a little. If we draw the series 1-1, we won't gain anything because we will be at 48.48 and Sri Lanka will be at 44.44, and the positions will remain as is," Chopra said.
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Challenges ahead in New Zealand and Australia
India's challenges extend beyond the Sri Lanka series, with demanding assignments scheduled in the coming months. The team will travel to New Zealand for a two-match series in October-November 2026, followed by five matches against Australia in India during January-February 2027.
"Going forward, we have a two-match series in New Zealand, where it is difficult to win. Even if you lose one match, you lose 50 percentage points. It's going to be a tough one, and after that, there are five matches against Australia in India. India is in a tough position," Chopra said.
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