World Test Championship Points Table: Updated WTC standing, India suffer steep fall after loss to SA

The World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle has begun in full force, with crucial matches taking place around the globe. Four teams engaged in a battle to become the reigning team in the standings, and new developments have come to light. India competes with South Africa, while Australia is up against Pakistan. The WTC Points table underwent a drastic change after the matches ended, with one team getting their points docked as well. Take a look at the updated standings. 

3 Things you need to know

• Team India is facing South Africa in an away test series
• Australia is hosting Pakistan in a three-match test series
• SA won the first test against IND, while AUS beat PAK in their second test match 

Also Read: 'Don't forget what we did in Australia and England': Rohit Sharma's defiant response to critics

WTC 2023-2025 Standings: India drastically tumbles from the top, SA reigns supreme

The Indian Cricket Team, who was in the number one position, fell in the rankings after ICC reprimanded them and docked their points. It led to the Proteas climbing to the top of the table, with New Zealand staying at the second position. Australia, Bangladesh and Pakistan are in the third, fourth and fifth spots. Team India is currently at number six, with West Indies, England, and Sri Lanka in the last three spots.

The change in the table comes after Australia defeated Pakistan in the second Test match and gained a 2-1 lead in the three-match series. On the other hand, South Africa reigned supreme over India in their first Test match of the two-match series despite KL Rahul and Virat Kohli's critical efforts.

Also Read: BCCI announces Mohammed Shami's replacement in final IND vs SA test, can he break South Africa?

Why did the ICC docked the Indian Cricket Team's points  

As per an official statement made by the ICC, the Rohit Sharma-led Team India was reprimanded by the ICC for maintaining a slow over-rate during the first test match against South Africa at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. They have docked two ICC World Test Championship points, and all players were fined ten per cent of their match fee.

India was declared to be two overs short of the target by Chris Broad of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. He then assessed the sanction, leading to India falling in the standings. The Indian Cricket Team currently holds 14 points and a 38.89-point percentage.