Aakash Chopra Analyzes India's Challenges in Upcoming Test Series Against Sri Lanka

In a recent analysis, former cricketer Aakash Chopra highlighted the challenges facing Team India in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. With India currently positioned fifth in the ICC World Test Championship standings, Chopra warns that a series loss could significantly impact their chances of qualifying for the finals. He discusses the implications of various outcomes, including the potential for Sri Lanka to rise in the rankings with a clean sweep. Additionally, Chopra addresses the tough road ahead for India, including upcoming series in New Zealand and against Australia, emphasizing the difficulties they may encounter, particularly against spin bowling. This analysis provides a comprehensive look at the stakes involved in the upcoming matches.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 4, 2026, 15:44 IST

India's Position in the World Test Championship

Aakash Chopra, a former Indian cricketer, has shared his insights regarding Team India's prospects in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for 2025-27. He emphasized that India finds itself in a challenging situation, particularly with Sri Lanka as their next opponent. A series victory for Sri Lanka could elevate them into the top four of the standings.

The two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka is set to commence on August 15. Currently, India ranks fifth in the WTC standings, having achieved four wins and four losses across nine matches, resulting in a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150. Conversely, Sri Lanka occupies the sixth position, with one win, one loss, and two draws, leading to a PCT of 41.67.

Implications of Series Outcomes

In a discussion on his YouTube channel, Chopra elaborated on the potential impact of the series results on both teams' standings. He noted that if India were to lose the series, their points percentage would decline significantly. Conversely, a clean sweep victory for Sri Lanka would propel them into contention for the finals.

"If India loses 2-0, their points will drop to 39, while Sri Lanka would rise to 61, placing them at No. 4. A clean sweep for Sri Lanka would put them in a strong position, but if they fail, it would be a missed opportunity," Chopra explained.

He also mentioned that if India manages to win the series 2-0, they would improve their PCT to 57.58. However, a drawn series would yield no benefits, keeping India at 48.48 and Sri Lanka at 44.44.

Challenges Ahead for Team India

Chopra further highlighted the difficulties India faces in their upcoming matches, including a challenging away series in New Zealand and a home series against Australia. He pointed out that losing even one match in New Zealand could result in a loss of 50 percentage points.

"The upcoming two-match series in New Zealand will be tough, as winning there has historically been difficult for India. Following that, they will face Australia in a five-match series at home, which could also prove challenging," he added.

India's record in New Zealand has been poor, with no Test series victories since 2008/09. Additionally, they have struggled against SENA nations at home, having suffered whitewashes from New Zealand and South Africa in recent years. The loss to South Africa last year marked their first defeat at home to the Proteas since the 1999/00 season.

Potential Struggles Against Spin

Chopra also expressed concerns about India's ability to handle spin, particularly in Sri Lanka, where they have faced difficulties against spin bowlers in previous series losses to New Zealand and South Africa.