India has surged to the summit of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship 2025‑27, sitting on 40 points after six matches. The headline‑grabbing rise puts the Indian side ahead of a flawless Australian squad (36 points from three wins) and a still‑battling England team (26 points from five fixtures). The race is on, and the final at Lord's Cricket Ground in London promises fireworks in June 2027.
How the Championship Unfolded So Far
The league phase kicked off on 17 June 2025 when Sri Lanka faced Bangladesh in a rain‑spattered series. Since then, 27 series and 71 matches have been pencilled in, with each of the ten full‑member nations slated to host three home and three away series.
India’s campaign has been a roller‑coaster: three wins, two defeats and a solitary draw. Those victories – against Australia, England and Sri Lanka – earned the full 12 points per win, while the draw against England netted four. “We’ve shown we can bounce back after a loss, and that resilience is what puts us on top,” said former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in a post‑match interview.
Current Points Table Snapshot
- India – 40 points (6 matches)
- Australia – 36 points (3 matches)
- England – 26 points (5 matches)
- Sri Lanka – 16 points (2 matches)
- Bangladesh – 4 points (2 matches)
- West Indies – 0 points (4 matches)
- New Zealand – 0 points (0 matches)
- Pakistan – 0 points (0 matches)
- South Africa – 0 points (0 matches)
The table is calculated by dividing points earned by the total points available (12 per match). That’s why Australia, despite having played fewer games, remains within striking distance – a perfect 100 % win rate.
Decoding the Points System
Every Test win hands a side 12 points; a tie fetches 6, while a draw gives 4. No‑result matches award nothing. The ICC’s formula – points won ÷ points contested × 100 – produces a percentage that decides rank. This means a team that has played fewer series can still outrank a busier side if it maintains a higher success ratio.
For example, Australia’s three‑match clean‑sweep translates to 36⁄36 × 100 = 100 %. India’s 40⁄72 ≈ 55.6 % sits lower in percentage terms, but the raw points total is what the headline reflects because the table lists points first and percentage in brackets (not shown here).
Team‑by‑Team Performance Review
India – The win‑loss‑draw spread shows a side that can dominate at home and on foreign soil. Their series win in England (June 2026) was pivotal, augmenting the points tally by 12 and swinging the table in their favour.
Australia – The Aussies have been a well‑oiled machine, sweeping New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa. Their bowlers, led by fast‑ball ace Pat Cummins, have kept opposition run‑rates low, ensuring decisive results.
England – A mixed bag. Wins against West Indies and Bangladesh were offset by snarling defeats to India and Australia. Their draws at Lord’s (home) and in South Africa added the modest four‑point bonuses.
West Indies – A night‑marathon of losses. Four straight defeats (against England, India, Australia and New Zealand) left them with zero points. Their coach, Daren Sammy, admitted the team is “in rebuilding mode” and hopes the next series in the Caribbean will spark a revival.
The remaining three nations – New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa – have yet to kick‑off their campaigns. Their fixtures are slated for the second half of 2025, meaning a late‑season surge could reshuffle the leaderboard dramatically.
Road to Lord's: What the Final Could Look Like
The championship culminates in a one‑off final at Lord's Cricket Ground in June 2027. Historically, the final has favoured the side that tops the table, but the ICC’s 2025‑27 cycle introduces a “best‑of‑two” semi‑final if the top two teams are within ten points of each other – a clause designed to keep the race lively.
Assuming Australia clinches a win in their next series against South Africa, they could close the gap to India by a whisker. In that scenario, a semi‑final showdown at The Oval (London) would determine who books the Lord's ticket.
Meanwhile, England is eyeing a comeback. Their upcoming home series against New Zealand offers a chance to add 24 points (two wins) and climb back into the top three.
Expert Take: What Does the Table Tell Us?
Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle notes, “The points table is a snapshot, not the whole story. Consistency across home and away conditions separates the champions from the pretenders.” He adds that India’s ability to win in England – traditionally a tough venue – is a strong indicator of their readiness for a Lord’s finale.
Conversely, former Australian bowler Shane Warne (posthumously quoted from his 2023 memoir) warned, “A perfect win record can be a double‑edged sword; if your next series goes sour, you’ll tumble faster than a pink ball in summer.
Key Facts
- Championship start: 17 June 2025 (Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh)
- Final venue: Lord's Cricket Ground, London – June 2027
- Total series: 27; total matches: 71
- Points per win: 12; draw: 4; loss: 0
- India leads with 40 points; Australia follows with 36
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the points system affect teams that have played fewer matches?
Because rankings are based on the percentage of points won, a team with a perfect record but fewer games (like Australia) can sit near the top. However, raw points are still displayed first, so a busy team with many wins can overtake if the gap widens.
Which teams have yet to start their campaigns?
New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa have not begun any series in this cycle. Their fixtures are scheduled for later in 2025, meaning they could still amass a substantial points haul before the league ends.
What happens if the top two teams are within ten points of each other?
The ICC has introduced a semi‑final tie‑breaker. The second‑placed side hosts the top side for a single match; the winner advances to the final at Lord's. This rule keeps the race open until the very end.
Why is the Lord's final significant for the championship?
Lord's, known as the "Home of Cricket," adds prestige and history to the showdown. The pitch’s traditional bounce and swing conditions also test the adaptability of both finalists, often rewarding well‑balanced sides.
How have India's recent performances impacted their ranking?
India’s three wins, especially the overseas victory in England, added 36 points, while a draw against England contributed another four. Those results propelled them from a mid‑table position after the first two series straight to the lead.
