Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra

Following 28-run loss to England in the first Test at Hyderabad, Team India witnessed a significant setback in the current cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC).

With the heartbreaking loss in the first Test on its home soil, India dropped to the fifth position in the WTC points table with a percentage of 43.33.

India had the opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the WTC points table. West Indies’ historic triumph over defending champions Australia at the Gabba had given them a golden chance. They could have ascended to the summit of the ongoing 2023/25 WTC cycle.

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However, England shattered India’s hope after registering a 28-run victory over India. Led by Ollie Pope’s and debutant Tom Hartley’s seven-wicket haul, England secured a stunning victory in the recently-concluded opening match of the five-game series at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Now, India face an uphill battle to reclaim their standing in the World Test Championship (WTC) table. The upcoming second Test in Visakhapatnam provides a crucial opportunity for redemption. A victory in this match, scheduled to commence on February 2, could potentially propel India back to the second spot in the points table.
 

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