India WTC 2023-25 : India’s hopes of making it to their third consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final were crushed during the 2023-25 cycle. After finishing as runners up in the previous two editions, this time, India failed to reach the final, with Australia and South Africa set to battle it out at Lord’s in June 2025.
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India WTC 2023-25 : India’s WTC 2023-25 Cycle – A Journey of Highs, Lows and Missed Opportunities
A Mixed Bag: India’s Performance in the WTC 2023-25 Cycle
India played 19 Tests during the WTC 2023-25 cycle, finishing with a record of 9 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws. Here’s a breakdown of India’s series results:
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| India vs West Indies | 1-0 (2-Test series) |
| India vs South Africa | 1-1 (2-Test series) |
| India vs England | 4-1 (5-Test series) |
| India vs Bangladesh | 2-0 (2-Test series) |
| India vs New Zealand | 0-3 (3-Test series) |
| India vs Australia (BGT) | 1-3 (5-Test series) |
While India began the cycle on a strong note, winning against West Indies and dominating England and Bangladesh, things took a dramatic turn in the second half of their campaign. A shocking 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand and a disappointing 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia sealed India’s fate, ruling them out of the final for the first time in WTC history.
Bright Start but a Fading Finish
Strong Start to the Cycle
India started the WTC cycle on a positive note with a 1-0 win against the West Indies. The team continued its momentum, securing a commendable 1-1 draw in South Africa and showcasing their dominance with a 4-1 home series victory over England. This was one of their most comprehensive performances in recent years.
After a successful T20 World Cup in 2024, India carried their confidence into the Test arena, sweeping Bangladesh 2-0 in a series that marked the beginning of the Rohit Sharma-Gautam Gambhir era.
Downfall Begins with New Zealand Whitewash
India’s campaign took a turn for the worse during the New Zealand series. For the first time in history, India suffered a 0-3 whitewash at home, raising serious questions about the team’s batting fragility and adaptability against quality spin bowling.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy Disaster
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia further highlighted India’s struggles. Despite starting with a resounding 295 run victory in Perth, India lost the next three Tests, ultimately losing the series 1-3. The defeat also meant surrendering the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy after holding it for nearly a decade.
Key Moments of the WTC Cycle
- Rahul Dravid’s Departure and the Gambhir-Rohit Era
Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the Test coach ended on a high after the T20 World Cup win, but the transition under Gambhir and Rohit Sharma faced challenges, especially in high-pressure series. - Jasprit Bumrah’s Heroics Amidst Injury Woes
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s bowling spearhead, was one of the bright spots with 32 wickets in the BGT series. However, his unavailability in crucial moments, such as the final innings in Sydney, proved costly. - Batting Failures in Key Games
India’s batting collapse in crucial matches, including the Sydney Test, was a recurring theme. The team’s inability to adapt to challenging conditions played a significant role in their downfall.
What’s Next for India?
With the 2023-25 WTC cycle now behind them, India will focus on rebuilding for the next cycle, which begins with a blockbuster five-Test series in England in June 2025. Here’s a glimpse of India’s WTC 2025-27 schedule:
- England Tour: 5 Tests (June-August 2025)
- Home Series vs West Indies: 2 Tests (October 2025)
- Home Series vs South Africa: 2 Tests (November-December 2025)
- Sri Lanka Tour: 2 Tests (August 2026)
- New Zealand Tour: 2 Tests (October-December 2026)
- Home Series vs Australia: 5 Tests (January-February 2027)
The upcoming cycle provides India an opportunity to regroup, address key weaknesses, and reclaim their dominance in Test cricket.
India’s WTC 2023-25 campaign was a tale of two halves. While they started strong, their inability to maintain consistency in the latter stages proved costly. As they gear up for the next cycle, the team’s focus will be on finding the right balance between experienced players and emerging talent.
FAQs
How many Tests did India play in the WTC 2023-25 cycle?
India played 19 Tests, winning 9, losing 8 and drawing 2
Why did India fail to qualify for the WTC final?
India failed to qualify due to key losses, including a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home and a 1-3 series defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
