India enjoyed a decent seven-week period during the five-match Test series against England in the United Kingdom. They lost the opening clash at Leeds in Headingley before earning victory in the following game at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The Blue Brigade got defeated in the third fixture at Lord’s before drawing the Manchester Test. Their memorable Oval victory drew the series 2-2.

After the end of the Asia Cup 2025, the Shubman Gill-led side earned victory against the West Indies by an innings and 140 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The game got over inside three days after their bowlers went through the batting line-up of the opposition side.

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The second game of the series will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The home side, thanks to the twin centuries from Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, posted 518 runs in 134.2 overs before declaring. Sai Sudharsan, the number three player, cracked 87 runs in 165 balls at a strike rate of 52.73 with the help of 12 boundaries.

India stay at No. 3 in updated WTC 2025-27 points table with 2-0 series victory vs West Indies

West Indies got bundled out for 248 runs in the first innings, with several players getting starts and failing to turn them into good scores. Kuldeep Yadav earned his fifth five-wicket haul before they enforced the follow-on. The Caribbean side showed better application with the bat, relying on the twin centuries from Shai Hope and John Campbell.

India completed the 124-run chase by seven wickets as KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 58 runs. They stay in the third rank of the points table with four wins and two defeats in seven clashes. Australia and Sri Lanka stay ahead of the two-time WTC runners-up.

Updated WTC 2025-27 points table after IND vs WI 2025 Test series- 

A trio of Indian players impressed with incredible batting and bowling performances to gain a comfortable and huge victory over West Indies in the first Test of the two-match series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which has gained new rating points in the latest ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings. The Shubman Gill-led side got an innings and 140-run victory inside three days in the WTC 2025-27. 

The right-arm fast bowler of the Blue Brigade, Mohammed Siraj, claimed seven wickets across two innings and was rewarded on the updated Test bowling ranking as he rose three spots to 12th in the table with a career-best rating. Jasprit Bumrah continues to maintain the top spot with three wickets in the same game, as Kuldeep Yadav jumps to the 21st rank. 

See Also: [WATCH] Suryakumar Yadav decodes Rohit Sharma in one word before revealing his toughest bowler ever faced

Updated ICC Men’s Test bowling ranking

Mohammed Siraj rises to Number 12 in ICC Test bowling ranking 

India’s opening batter, KL Rahul, has scored a Test century in the contest and has moved up four places to 35th overall, with Joe Root holding the top rank. Ravindra Jadeja, celebrating another century, gains six spots to move to 25th overall. He also increased his advantages to the top of the Test all-rounder as Washington Sundar joins him to get into the 11th spot.

There were plenty of changes near the top of the latest T20I rankings after the conclusion of the New Zealand and Australia series. Mitchell Marsh was superb for their 2-0 series victory and moved to the 10th overall rank in the list of T20I batters.

New Zealand’s Tim Robinson has gained a whopping 58 places to equal 22nd on the list of batters, as Bangladesh’s Saif Hasan has gone up 17 spots to 18th. In the T20I bowlers’ rankings, Rashid Khan. Has gained six places to move to the second place and is only behind Varun Chakravarthy.

India proved their dominance in the 1st Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad by winning by an innings and 140 runs. The Indian pacers, led by Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, slaughtered the West Indies batting order by leaving them with just 162 runs in the first innings, which set the momentum for India’s strong performance.

In response, India’s batsmen showcased a brilliant mix of patience and aggression in scoring a massive 448/5 declared. Three batsmen KL Rahul (100), Dhruv Jurel (125) and Ravindra Jadeja (104*) scored centuries and Jadeja even showed more evidence that he is in great form by hitting an incredible five sixes! This innings provided India with a first innings lead of 286 runs which placed them in complete control.

On day 3, the bowlers of India maintained their control and dismissed West Indies for just 146 in their second innings. India’s all-round contributions with the bat and ball provided the first win in the opening Test of the series. Shubman Gill in his first Test as captain at home, began his captaincy in an emphatic manner.

See Also: Why Rohit Sharma was sacked from ODI captaincy before India tour to Australia?

India’s Rise in World Test Championship Points

India’s win against West Indies has boosted their points percentage in the World Test Championship (WTC) table. After playing six matches, India now stands third with three wins, two losses, and one draw, giving them a PCT of 55.56.  The West Indies still sit at the bottom of the table with no wins in four matches. The win has helped India's position in the WTC points table as Shubman Gill's leadership has started well.

South Africa won the third cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 against the defending champions Australia at the iconic ground at Lord’s. Many Protea fans and the upcoming generation of players in the longest format truly lived the moment and perhaps had dreamt of achieving it in the future. But how?

South Africa won’t play any home Test in their next season. That’s a harsh truth: that the current WTC champions will be without a home Test match for more than a year because they have sandwiched the SA20 between the away Pakistan series and the upcoming T20 World Cup. And Kagiso Rabada, their premier pacer, has displayed his disappointment on that aspect.

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“This has been an issue we have been talking about for the past three years, or even longer. The nice thing is that it’s good to see that Test match cricket is still, you know, being watched and watched with closed eyes. I mean, there have been some really fantastic games that have been played. So, that’s well and truly alive.” Rabada expressed during the recent interaction on Sky Sports Cricket.

Watch: Kagiso Rabada laments South Africa’s lack of Tests

They will also play two away Tests in India. Next year, they will host Australia for four Test matches. However, this lack of red-ball fixtures won’t be an advantage for the Proteas for the next WTC cycle. Rabada said that money is the last thing that everyone is after in this era.

Kagiso Rabada laments the lack of Test match cricket played by South Africa 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/BFniJLm76v

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) September 12, 2025

“Unfortunately, now, the game is more about money. You know, what’s going to make the most money, and that’s the challenge that you are looking at right now, it comes to more of an inclusivity for the other cricketing nations because, let’s talk a fact here, is that you need all the other nations to make world cricket. And that’s been a challenge.” The current pacer claimed.

The opening Test of the away Pakistan series will begin on October 12 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore before the action shifts to the Rawalpindi Stadium for the second encounter on October 20.

The two-tier Test cricket controversy has been running for more than a decade, and it has intensified with the growing presence of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). While the BCCI, ECB, and CA, the governing cricket bodies of India, England, and Australia, respectively, are the top international cricket boards, their views play very important roles in the future of the game. While the BCCI has shown support for the two-tier Test cricket system, the ECB and CA have brought two different mindsets to the two-tier Test cricket.

The two-tier Test cricket model, which can be seen in the future ICC World Test Championship, can divide the 12 Test members into two divisions. In the ICC Annual Conference, it was the most significant topic. The ICC has also formed a working group, led by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Towse, to understand the effectiveness of the two-tier Test cricket model. 

See Also: Know when India plays next; Full list of upcoming Test series

ECB chairman raises voice against two-tier Test cricket

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Richard Thompson isn't confident enough with the two-tier Test cricket system, as they can't afford to lose the chance to play against their Test rivals Australia and India.

Recently, in the BBC's Test Match Special, Thompson said, "There's a lot of options that we've got to look at - tiers would be one of them. We wouldn't want, as England, we may go through a fallow period, and that means, what, we fall into Division Two and we don't play Australia and India? That couldn't happen. There has to be a sense that common sense needs to play out here."

Thompson feels that the ICC WTC can work in a better way with the improvement of the cricket calendar, which is congested by various T20 leagues. 

The ECB chairman added, "The World Test Championship could work better than it does. It has definitely improved the narrative, [and] it has created a relevance. Seeing what it meant for South Africa to win - who are crushed by rugby in their own country - and seeing players I know really well, like Graeme Smith, in tears on the outfield, that was a real moment seeing them win. As much as I was critical that they turned up with a 'B' team when they played New Zealand [in 2024], it was still good for the game when the underdog wins.

"But the reality of it is, the World Test Championship, if it was improved upon and certain changes were made, maybe you don't need two tiers of Test cricket. What you do need is a schedule that makes a lot more sense than it currently does, and that must include the volume of bilateral cricket that you play, white-ball and red-ball, and recognising that from 2028, we have an Olympics. So what happens in 2028, when we have an Olympics, and our best 11 cricketers have got to go to LA for two weeks in the middle of July? That is going to throw up some challenges."

Cricket Australia CEO open-minded

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg wants to see stronger versions of the present middle-ranked teams in Test cricket.

Greenberg is open-minded about the two-tier Test cricket system, as he feels that it should work better for the other Test-playing nations to earn their support. He further added that the other boards' CEOs also view it similarly. 

India’s victory at the Kennington Oval over England on the fifth day of the final Test of the five-match series has helped them not only draw the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, but it has also pushed them in the points table of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. It was their second win of the trip after the huge 336-run win at Edgbaston. 

Even though it would still be the early days in the competition, the Blue Brigade managed to use their feet and move into third place in the standings with the victory in the final fixture, earning 12 crucial points. They now have 28 WTC points on the board and a points percentage of 46.67%.

See Also: List of prize winners from ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

Despite having the same number of wins and draws as the Shubman Gill-led side, Ben Stokes’ army has found itself in the fourth position with 26 points and a points percentage of 43.33. It was severely impacted by the two-point deduction for the slow over rate during the third Test of the series at Lord’s, which they went on to win dramatically.

India climb up to third place in WTC 2025-27 points table

Australia, under the captaincy of Pat Cummins, has found itself at the top position with a three-wicket whitewash series victory over the West Indies in the Caribbean. West Indies and Bangladesh remain the only two sides to feature in the series and not earn a victory yet in the longest format of the cycle.

Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand are the three sides that have not played a single game of the WTC. Both Proteas and Blackcaps faced Zimbabwe away from home, but those were not part of the WTC cycle.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing to reveal a two-division system for its next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for 2027-29, a move which may change the future of Test cricket. This structure will see 12 full-member nations split into two divisions of six members each with Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Ireland being suggested as the bottom six teams in division two based on current ICC rankings.

The announcement followed the ICC’s Annual General Meeting in Singapore the first under the new all-Indian leadership of Chair Jay Shah and CEO Sanjog Gupta. Gupta, a former JioStar executive, will also chair the eight-member working group responsible for detailing the new system, which is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.

Proposed Divisions (2027–29 WTC Cycle)

• Division 1: India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
  
• Division 2: Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Ireland
  

A New Era for Test Cricket

This move is largely viewed as representing one of the biggest structural reconfigurations in the 133 year history of international cricket. What had emerged during meetings between Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) earlier this year was a vision to provide more competitive matches, create more regular series between the top teams and have more global responsibility to stakeholders.

Australia, the major supporter of the model, lobbied to include that top teams should play against each other, twice in every three year cycle, mostly to increase competition and broadcast value. The ECB had their reluctance to support the proposal by arguing that the plan could increase the gap both financially and competitively between the richest and professionalised cricket nations, and the developing cricket nations.

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Two-division Test cricket from 2027and finals in England

A key sticking point will be the promotion and relegation system, as well as how to prevent lower-ranked nations from being permanently sidelined. There is speculation that the ICC may offer enhanced financial packages to Division 2 teams to help sustain competitiveness and infrastructure.

Critics fear that teams like Pakistan, historically strong and deeply rooted in the game’s tradition, might find themselves marginalized if stuck in Division 2. Supporters argue, however, that the format rewards performance and long-term consistency and offers every nation a clear pathway back to the top.

In another major announcement, the ICC confirmed that England will host the next three World Test Championship finals, maintaining a trend that began with the inaugural WTC final in 2021. The most recent final at Lord’s saw South Africa crowned champions, defeating defending champions Australia.

T20 Champions League Revival?

The ICC also expressed interest in resurrecting a Champions League style T20 tournament, involving the best franchises of the IPL, the Hundred and Australia's Big Bash League. However, as yet no official proposal has been put forward, partly due to the more complicated ownership structures, and the difficulties of scheduling across all three competitions, to allow a players to return to their home country.

Given T20 players now playing for multiple franchises globally, there will also be a lack of clarity about player eligibility and representation issues. A 2027 launch is under serious consideration, which suggests the working group may have tied the proposal to when the ICC's current $3 billion broadcast deal with Disney Star expires.

This potential reorganization represents an important moment for global cricket, which could see increased intensity in the upper-level competition, but also raises significant questions about inclusion, equity and player development long term. Whether this radical change will be a success, or not, may depend on how the ICC manages competition with collaboration amongst it's members.

A major update has arrived on the third day of the annual general meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) as England has been confirmed to host the next three World Test Championship (WTC) finals in 2027, 2029, and 2031, after the side’s successful event in the first seasons of the tournament in 2021, 2023 and 2025 in Southampton, Oval and Lord’s.

Discussion was going on the points for a few days after India decided to bid for the next final during this year’s red-ball contest at the Home of Cricket between South Africa and Australia, where the former earned a vital five-wicket victory. In Singapore, during the annual meeting, the ICC cited that the ECB’s successful track record has given them the chance to host the finals.

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‘We are absolutely delighted that England and Wales have been chosen to host the next three ICC World Test Championship Finals. It's a testament to the passion that fans in this country have for this treasured format of the game and the willingness of supporters from around the world to travel here for these games.’ Richard Gould, the chief executive of the England Cricket Board (ECB), expressed in a statement.

England confirmed to host next three WTC finals in ICC Annual General Meeting

Gould added that ‘Hosting these finals is a privilege, and we look forward to working with the ICC to build on the success of the previous editions.’ June also remains the best window for the game, just after the exclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL), as that will also be the best time, with not many scheduled international fixtures in a year.

One of the best reasons for the decision is the weather, which is suitable for the crowd and can attract neutral fans, as it has already during the last three editions of the tournament. The atmosphere at Lord’s was noted at the recent WTC final with ICC’s chair, Jay Shah, enthused by the occasion between two neutral sides.

On the other hand, a few reports have also claimed that no decision has been made as to whether Lord’s will remain the preferred host for the final. Meanwhile, two new members have joined the ICC family to make it a total membership of 110 members, with the Leste Cricket Federation and Zambia Cricket Union formally becoming the Associate members of the ICC.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made a primary decision on the next three Final venues of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), and it is surely not good news for Indian cricket. 

The ICC has awarded England to host the next three ICC WTC Finals, which will be played in 2027, 2029, and 2031. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) successfully hosted the first three WTC Finals. Southampton hosted the inaugural WTC Final in 2021, where New Zealand won the first WTC mace after beating India in the Final.

The Oval hosted the second WTC Final between India and Australia in 2023, and Australia won that mace. Last June, Lord's hosted the third WTC Final (2025), where South Africa faced the defending champions and won the mace for the first time to end their 26-year drought of an ICC trophy.  

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Next 3 ICC WTC Finals: India and other nations once again ignored

As the ECB successfully hosted the first three WTC finals, it is no shocker that the ICC has awarded the next three WTC Finals to them. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was interested in organising any of the next WTC Finals, but it seems far away from the dream.  

The ICC officially stated, "The Board also confirmed the awarding of hosting rights for the ICC World Test Championship Finals for the 2027, 2029, and 2031 editions to the England and Wales Cricket Board, following a successful track record in hosting recent finals."

Lord's has already been planned for the WTC Final 2027. So, the latest ICC meeting has brought the decision of the hosting nation for the ICC WTC Final 2029 and 2031. 

Why has England been preferred for the WTC Finals?

While the WTC Final has generally been played in June, England is one of the best places to host it at this time. Meanwhile, June is a rainy season for most of the Indian states, which makes it tougher for the country to host the big tournament.

Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli is arguably one of the finest batters for India, not only in the Tests but across all formats. The now-retired batting maestro boasts an impressive record in Tests. With nearly 10,000 runs under his belt at a stunning average of 46.85, Kohli smashed a staggering 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries in his 17-year-long Test career. Besides, his form peaked to a whole new level during India's home Test series against South Africa in 2019, where he slammed his career-best score of 254* to hand the visitors a brutal 3-0 drubbing. 

Despite being India's most prolific run-getter in this format, Kohli's decline in form commenced following the conclusion of the first World Test Championship (WTC) cycle in 2021. Although Kohli remained as the second-highest run scorer for India across all three WTC cycles, his recent numbers suggest that he is already way past his prime. Unlike his glory days, Kohli often started faltering towards the fag end of his Test career and failed to live up to his fans' ambitious expectations. It becomes even more concerning when his stats are put together alongside the recent stats of Ravindra Jadeja, who appears to be having a comparatively healthier record than him in Test cricket. 

So are we safe to assume that Jadeja has a better record than King Kohli in Tests? Read on as we attempt to dissect the recent batting stats of the two legendary Indian players across all three WTC cycles since 2019. 

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Comparison of their batting stats (Since 2019)

Since 2019, Kohli has been India's second-highest run-getter in Test cricket, but has averaged only 35.36. While his average remained uncharacteristically low, Kohli has only managed five centuries and 11 half-centuries across 79 Test innings. On the contrary, Jadeja, who bats a lot lower down the order, averages 40.96 and is not far behind in terms of century count with three hundreds (and counting) under his belt. Even though Jadeja does not feature as a frontline batter for India in the Tests, he still remains the fifth-highest run-getter for his side since 2019. In addition, Jadeja has contributed with the bat on a consistent basis and has 16 fifty-plus scores as opposed to Kohli, who only has 11 fifty-plus scores. 

Final verdict

While it will be fair to acknowledge the obvious decline in Kohli's form in recent times, one simply can't overlook the long list of achievements that he has managed to garner throughout his illustrious cricketing career. Jadeja, on the other hand, may have found his groove with the bat in recent times, but is far off from breaking some of Kohli's unthinkable batting records. Kohli's greatness will remain in its own place and can't be touched by any world-class player in the contemporary era.