India has fallen to fourth place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 standings after a disappointing 30-run loss to defending champions South Africa in a low-scoring thriller at Eden Gardens on Sunday. Chasing a modest 123, India crumbled under pressure on a spin-friendly surface and were bowled out for just 93. Their troubles deepened before play began, with Test captain Shubman Gill ruled out due to a neck spasm.

South Africa, powered by skipper Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 55, posted 153 in their second innings—remarkably, he was the only batter across both sides to cross 40 in the entire match. The win marked South Africa’s first Test triumph on Indian soil in 15 years.

This defeat is India’s third in the current WTC cycle, following two earlier losses in England. Meanwhile, South Africa, who started their title defense in Pakistan, have now won two of their three matches, taking their points percentage to 66.67. They trail only Australia, who have a perfect record with three wins.

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For India, this was their second home defeat in a run chase below 150 under coach Gautam Gambhir. No other team has suffered such a loss at home while chasing under 150 in the 21st century. Notably, New Zealand pulled off a 3-0 whitewash last year by defending 147 at Wankhede, winning that match by 25 runs.

With this victory, South Africa have climbed the WTC table, moving into joint second place with Sri Lanka. Their two wins from three matches give them a strong start to the cycle. India, on the other hand, have slipped to No. 4, their points percentage dropping from 57.14 to 54.16—barely ahead of Pakistan and England.