India’s tough patch in Test cricket continues off the field as well. A strong New Zealand win over West Indies has pushed India down to sixth place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, adding more pressure on the team ahead of their next assignment in August.

How the WTC table changed

New Zealand beat West Indies by nine wickets in the second Test at Wellington’s Basin Reserve on December 12, 2025. Jacob Duffy took a five-wicket haul (5/38) as the Kiwis bowled out West Indies for just 128 in their second innings. Chasing just 56, New Zealand got home with nine wickets and three days to spare, with Devon Conway (28*) and Kane Williamson (16*) finishing the job after captain Tom Latham fell for nine.

This big win earned New Zealand 12 WTC points and lifted them from sixth to third place on the points table. India, who were fifth after their 2-0 home series loss to South Africa last month, have now dropped to sixth with a percentage of 48.15. New Zealand, sitting on 66.67%, have jumped ahead of both India and Pakistan in the standings.

Current WTC standings

Australia continue to lead the table with a perfect 100 percentage points, having won all their matches so far in this cycle. South Africa are second with 75 percentage points after their strong run, including the 2-0 whitewash of India. Sri Lanka (66.67%) and New Zealand (66.67%) are tied on third and fourth with the same percentage, while Pakistan (50%) occupy fifth spot. India (48.15%) are now sixth.

England are currently seventh, but if they stage a comeback in the Ashes against Australia – who lead 2-0 with three Tests remaining – India could drop even further to seventh position.

New Zealand’s WTC hopes get stronger

With this victory, New Zealand have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against West Indies and also boosted their chances of reaching the WTC final for the second time. The Black Caps won the inaugural WTC final in 2021 and have now put themselves back in contention for another appearance in 2027. Their improved position on the table puts them firmly in the race for the top two spots that will qualify for the final.

The third and final Test of the series will be played in Mount Maunganui starting December 18, giving New Zealand a chance to add more points and strengthen their position even further.

India’s next Test assignment in August

India’s next Test series is scheduled for August 2026 against Sri Lanka. Until then, they have no Test matches lined up, which means their position on the WTC table will depend entirely on results from other series. The long gap also gives India time to regroup, work on their issues – particularly home form and batting collapses – and plan better for the Sri Lanka tour.

The recent 2-0 home loss to South Africa was a big setback, especially after losing the series opener at Eden Gardens in Kolkata within just three days. That result cost India crucial WTC points and also dented their confidence. Now, sitting sixth and with other teams in good form, India’s road to the WTC final looks very difficult unless they produce a strong bounce-back in the second half of this WTC cycle.