Bhubaneswar, Nov. 17 -- India's hopes of reaching the 2027 World Test Championship final took a hit after their 30-run loss to South Africa in the opening Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This defeat means India can no longer win the series against the Proteas, marking the midpoint of their 2025-27 WTC campaign. So far, they have secured just one series win-a 2-0 victory over the West Indies-and drew 2-2 in their five-Test contest against England earlier this year.

Currently placed fourth on the WTC table, India have played eight matches, winning four and losing three, giving them a win percentage of 54.17%.

India still have 10 Tests left in this cycle, beginning with the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. They will then tour...