India former player, Aakash Chopra, feels that Shubman Gill and his team are capable of making it to reign in the World Test Championship (WTC final) next in 2027. Nevertheless, he included that one should not be too optimistic regarding the future of India since the nation is undergoing a transition.
India scored 46.67 percent of points in the just ended Test series against England, their first in the 2025-27 WTC cycle. They won and lost two games each and drew the Manchester Test.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra,’ the cricketer-turned-commentator stated that one should not be overly optimistic about India’s chances of making the WTC final, but that they would be strong challengers.
“India’s home series are against Australia, the West Indies and South Africa. I feel we will win all three of these series. We will win against the West Indies and South Africa, although it might not be that straightforward as we are also going through a transition, and beat Australia as well.”
Aakash Chopra
“One of our away series is against Sri Lanka. I am expecting us to garner a lot of points there. New Zealand is tough. I think we should be okay. We will once again be in the running. We will be in the top three or four. Of course, since we are going through a transition, you cannot bullishly say that India would qualify for sure, but I consider India to be a strong contender.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra believes India’s chances are greater than Australia’s. He also stated that the drawn series in England has increased expectations and considerably strengthened India’s prospects.
“They should actually be okay” – Aakash Chopra on Pakistan’s home series in the 2025-27 WTC cycle
In the same video, Aakash Chopra stated that Pakistan should perform well in their three home series during the 2025-27 WTC cycle.
“Pakistan’s home series are against New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka. They should actually be okay. Pakistan should do well at home, unless they start making roads. Their away series are against England, the West Indies and Bangladesh.”
The former India opener noted that Pakistan has a solid chance of making the WTC final.
“Pakistan have a favorable draw again. Win in the West Indies and Bangladesh, compete a little in England, and beat Sri Lanka, New Zealand and South Africa at home. Pakistan have a good chance. However, I have said that about Pakistan earlier as well when their away series were in the West Indies, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. However, they didn’t win a single series at home.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra observed that Pakistan has just begun producing rank turners at home, with spinners bowling all overs. He stated that if Pakistan continues to do so, they will win at home and have a good chance of performing well in the current WTC cycle.
