WTC Points Table: How India’s Huge Win Over West Indies Strengthens Their World Test Championship 2025 Campaign

WTC Points Table: What Does Massive Win Over West Indies Mean for India?

India has once again made a powerful statement in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle with a massive victory against the West Indies. 

The win not only boosted India’s confidence but also had a significant impact on the WTC points table, strengthening their chances of making it to the World Test Championship Final 2025.

In this detailed analysis, we’ll break down what this triumph means for India’s WTC journey, how it impacts their position on the table, what lies ahead for Rohit Sharma’s men, and how the competition is shaping up among other top Test nations.

1. India’s Dominant Win Over West Indies

The Indian cricket team showed complete dominance in all departments as they registered a massive win against the West Indies in the latest Test series.

• India’s batting was led by Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, who laid a strong foundation with consistent runs.

• The bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravichandran Ashwin, demolished the West Indies batting lineup.

• The result was a comprehensive victory that not only gave India crucial WTC points but also sent a strong message to the rest of the cricketing world.

This performance demonstrated India’s depth, balance, and hunger to dominate red-ball cricket despite transition phases and player rotations.

2. Understanding the WTC Points System

Before looking at India’s new position, it’s important to understand how the World Test Championship (WTC) points system works.

In the 2023–2025 WTC cycle, the points allocation is as follows:

Result	Points Awarded
Win	12
Draw	4
Tie	6
Loss	0

However, the WTC standings are determined not by total points, but by the percentage of points (PCT) each team earns out of the total points they could have scored.

So, if a team wins most of its games but loses a few, its PCT (Points Percentage) determines its final ranking on the WTC table.

3. India’s Current Position in the WTC Points Table

After the victory over the West Indies, India’s WTC journey received a strong push.

India now holds a solid PCT, moving upward in the points table — closing the gap with Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, who are also in the race for the top two positions.

As per the latest WTC standings:

• India climbed into the top three with an impressive win record.

• Their PCT jumped significantly, as they earned 12 valuable points from the match.

• With this performance, India’s consistency at home and their ability to compete away makes them strong favorites to play in the WTC Final 2025 once again.

4. Why This Win Matters for India’s WTC Campaign

This victory over the West Indies is crucial for multiple reasons:

a. Early Momentum in the WTC Cycle

Every WTC cycle is long and intense. Early wins set the tone.
By defeating West Indies comprehensively, India has built crucial momentum for the upcoming fixtures against tougher opponents like England, Australia, and South Africa.

b. Boost in Confidence for Young Players

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Ishan Kishan continue to show promise. Their performances prove India’s bench strength remains world-class — vital for sustaining success across long tournaments like the WTC.

c. Better NRR Equivalent (Dominant Win Margin)

Although the WTC doesn’t officially use Net Run Rate (NRR), dominant wins reflect form and morale, which often translate into continued success. This victory margin will psychologically boost the Indian camp.

d. Redemption After WTC Final 2023 Loss

India’s loss to Australia in the WTC Final 2023 at The Oval was heartbreaking. But this new cycle provides redemption, and starting it with such a commanding win reignites belief that India can finally lift the coveted WTC Mace.

5. India’s Upcoming Fixtures in the WTC 2025 Cycle

India still has several key series lined up under the 2023–2025 WTC cycle. Each series will play a vital role in determining whether they can qualify for the final once again.

Home Series:

• vs England (5 Tests)
• vs Bangladesh (2 Tests)
• vs New Zealand (2 Tests)

Away Series:

• vs Australia (2 Tests)
• vs South Africa (2 Tests)
• vs Sri Lanka (2 Tests)

These fixtures give India a balanced schedule with several matches at home — a major advantage considering India’s dominance on spin-friendly pitches.

If India continues their form and avoids upsets away from home, they’re almost certain to make the top 2 of the WTC table.

6. How Other Teams Are Performing in the WTC 2025 Cycle

India’s progress must also be viewed in the context of other teams’ performances:

Australia:

The defending champions continue to be formidable, with strong showings against Pakistan and England. However, losses in Asia could hurt their PCT.

South Africa:

The Proteas have been inconsistent — brilliant in pace-friendly conditions but vulnerable in subcontinent tracks.

England:

After the Ashes, England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ strategy has received mixed results. They score fast but sometimes lose wickets in clusters, costing them crucial WTC points.

New Zealand:

The Kiwis remain a threat, especially at home. However, their away performances need improvement to stay in contention.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka:

Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance but inconsistency in middle-order batting continues to hurt their WTC standings.

India’s stability, compared to these fluctuating performances, gives them a real edge in the long run.

7. Key Performers for India in the West Indies Series

India’s win wasn’t about one or two players — it was a total team effort. However, a few individuals stood out:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young opener scored a brilliant century and announced himself as a long-term Test prospect.

• Virat Kohli: Showed glimpses of vintage form with a fluent knock. His experience remains invaluable.

• Ravichandran Ashwin: Yet again proved his worth, taking crucial wickets and maintaining control on flat tracks.

• Mohammed Siraj: His fiery spells broke the backbone of the West Indies middle order.

• Rohit Sharma: Led with composure, rotating bowlers effectively and maintaining positive intent.

These performances highlight India’s ability to rebuild even as senior players transition, keeping their WTC hopes alive.

8. Challenges India Still Faces

While India’s win was commanding, several challenges lie ahead:

a. Middle-Order Stability

With Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane no longer regulars, India’s middle order needs consistency. Players like Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul must step up.

b. Overseas Performances

India’s WTC dreams often stumble on foreign soil. Winning in South Africa and Australia will be crucial to maintain a high PCT.

c. Managing Workload

With multiple formats and back-to-back series, managing player fitness — especially bowlers — will be critical.

d. Adapting to Different Conditions

India’s spin-dominated attacks excel at home but need balance overseas. The team must maintain flexibility in team selection and strategy.

9. What the Experts Are Saying

Cricket analysts have praised India’s resurgence:

• Harsha Bhogle noted that India’s “bench strength and adaptability make them the most complete Test side in the world.”

• Ricky Ponting highlighted India’s hunger post-WTC 2023 loss as “a defining motivation for this new cycle.”

• Sunil Gavaskar credited Rohit Sharma’s leadership for “nurturing young talent while keeping focus on team balance.”

This consensus indicates that India is not only back in form but may be the most disciplined team in the WTC 2025 race.

10. What This Win Means for India’s WTC Future

The West Indies win is not just about 12 points — it’s about momentum, morale, and message.

• India proved they can dominate even with young players.

• Their bowling depth continues to be world-class.

• The hunger for the WTC title remains strong.

If India maintains consistency, especially in away matches, they’re on track to reach the WTC Final 2025, possibly setting up another blockbuster clash against Australia or England.

11. Conclusion

India’s massive win over West Indies in the ongoing WTC 2025 cycle is more than just a victory — it’s a statement of intent.

From emerging stars to experienced leaders, every player contributed to the success. The win boosts India’s WTC points tally enhances their confidence, and places them firmly among the favorites for the World Test Championship Final 2025.

As the competition intensifies, India’s biggest test will be to replicate their dominance in foreign conditions. But if their current form continues, the dream of finally lifting the WTC trophy looks brighter than ever.

FAQs

1. What is India’s current position in the WTC 2025 points table?

After the win against West Indies, India climbed into the top three in the WTC standings with a strong points percentage (PCT).

2. How many points did India earn from the West Indies series?

India earned 12 WTC points for the victory, moving closer to the top of the table.

3. What is India’s next Test series in the WTC cycle?

India will play a five-Test home series against England, followed by crucial away tours of South Africa and Australia.

4. Can India qualify for the WTC Final 2025 again?

Yes. With their current form, depth, and home advantage, India is among the top favorites to reach the final once again.

5. Who were India’s top performers against West Indies?

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, and Rohit Sharma were India’s standout performers.

Rohit Sharma India WTC

Why Gold & Silver ETFs Are Replacing Your Locker Keys | Smart Investing

Why Gold & Silver ETFs Are Replacing Your Locker Keys

Introduction

For decades, Indians have considered gold and silver not just as ornaments, but as a symbol of wealth, security, and financial stability. 

A wedding was incomplete without gold jewelry, and silver utensils or coins were a sign of prosperity. Traditionally, families stored these precious metals in bank lockers or home safes, believing that physical ownership was the ultimate proof of wealth.

But times are changing. Today, Gold and Silver ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) are fast replacing locker keys. They allow investors to hold gold and silver in dematerialized (digital) form, traded on stock exchanges just like shares.

Instead of worrying about theft, storage costs, or purity, investors are choosing ETFs for convenience, transparency, and efficiency.

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into why Gold and Silver ETFs are becoming more popular than ever, their advantages, how they compare with physical metals, and whether they’re the right choice for you.

The Traditional Obsession with Physical Gold and Silver

Before understanding the rise of ETFs, it’s important to see why gold and silver have always held such importance in households:

• Cultural Value: Gold jewelry is a must-have in Indian weddings. Silver coins are given during festivals like Diwali and Dhanteras.

• Safe Haven Asset: Families trust gold and silver during economic uncertainties.

• Tangible Wealth: The feeling of physically holding gold coins or jewelry gave reassurance.

• Generational Transfer: Physical assets were easily passed down to children and grandchildren.

However, along with these advantages came several challenges:

• Locker Charges: Bank lockers involve annual fees and insurance expenses.

• Purity Concerns: Not all jewelers offer 100% purity; hallmarking is often ignored.

• Liquidity Issues: Selling physical gold and silver often involves making charges, wastage deductions, or lower resale value.

• Security Risks: Theft at home or during transit is always a concern.

This is where Gold and Silver ETFs are stepping in as smarter, modern alternatives.

What Are Gold and Silver ETFs?

• A Gold ETF is an exchange-traded fund that tracks the domestic price of gold.

• A Silver ETF does the same for silver prices.

They are listed and traded on stock exchanges like NSE and BSE, and each unit usually represents 1 gram of gold or a certain quantity of silver in dematerialized form.

Essentially, instead of buying and storing physical gold or silver, you buy ETF units through your Demat account and hold them digitally.

Why Gold & Silver ETFs Are Replacing Your Locker Keys

Let’s break down the major reasons why investors are moving from lockers to ETFs:

1. No Storage Hassles

With physical gold and silver, you either store them at home (risking theft) or in bank lockers (paying annual fees). ETFs eliminate this entirely—everything is digital and secured in your Demat account.

2. Purity Guarantee

Gold and Silver ETFs are backed by 99.5% or higher purity metals, stored by the fund in RBI-approved vaults. You don’t have to worry about adulteration, wastage, or hallmarking.

3. High Liquidity

Selling physical gold or silver can take time, and jewelers often deduct making charges. ETFs, on the other hand, can be sold on stock exchanges instantly during market hours.

4. Lower Costs

Owning gold in a locker costs money. ETFs only charge a small expense ratio (generally 0.5% to 1%), which is much lower than locker rent or jewelry-making charges.

5. Transparency in Pricing

Gold and silver jewelry prices differ across cities and shops. ETFs follow standard benchmark prices linked to international rates, offering greater transparency.

6. Small-Ticket Investment

Buying physical gold and silver often requires a large outlay. With ETFs, you can invest in as little as 1 gram of gold equivalent, making it affordable for everyone.

7. Safe from Theft

Since ETFs are held digitally, you don’t need to worry about robbery, burglary, or misplacement.

8. No Making or Wastage Charges

Physical gold jewelry often comes with 10–20% making charges, which you lose at resale. ETFs don’t have such deductions.

9. Easy to Buy & Sell Online

You can purchase or sell ETF units from the comfort of your home using your Demat account and trading app—no need to visit a jeweler or bank.

Gold ETFs vs Silver ETFs: Which Should You Choose?

Both Gold and Silver ETFs offer unique benefits. Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Gold ETF	Silver ETF
Historical Stability	Highly stable, safe-haven asset	More volatile, linked to industry
Cultural Demand	High (weddings, festivals)	Moderate (less cultural usage)
Industrial Demand	Limited	High (electronics, EV batteries)
Investment Horizon	Good for long-term wealth	Good for medium-term growth

Takeaway: If you want stability, go for Gold ETFs. If you want higher growth potential (with some volatility), consider Silver ETFs. Many smart investors diversify with both.

Comparison: Physical Gold vs Gold ETF

Parameter	Physical Gold	Gold ETF
Storage	Locker/Home (risk & cost)	Digital (safe)
Purity Concerns	Possible adulteration	99.5% guaranteed
Liquidity	Moderate (jeweler/bank)	High (stock exchange)
Costs	Locker rent, making fees	Low expense ratio
Security	Risk of theft	No theft risk
Transparency	Price varies by jeweler	Market-linked price
Minimum Investment	Higher	1 gram equivalent

Clearly, Gold ETFs outperform physical gold in almost every aspect—except for cultural/emotional value.

How to Invest in Gold and Silver ETFs

Open a Demat and Trading Account (if you don’t already have one).

Choose an ETF scheme from leading asset management companies (AMCs) like Nippon, HDFC, ICICI, or Kotak.

Place a Buy Order just like you would for stocks.

Hold in Your Demat Account—no need for locker keys.

Sell Anytime through your broker when you need liquidity.

Taxation on Gold & Silver ETFs

• Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): If held for less than 3 years, profits are taxed as per your income slab.

• Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): If held for more than 3 years, taxed at 20% with indexation benefits.

• No GST on Purchase: Unlike physical gold, where 3% GST is charged on purchase, ETFs save you that cost.

Risks and Limitations of ETFs

While ETFs have clear advantages, they aren’t perfect:

• Requires Demat Account: A barrier for traditional investors.

• Market Volatility: Prices fluctuate daily, just like stocks.

• No Emotional Value: Jewelry has cultural significance that ETFs cannot replace.

But for pure investors seeking returns, safety, and convenience, ETFs are far superior.

Why Millennials and Gen Z Prefer ETFs

Younger generations are digital-first. They prefer apps over jewelers, transparency over tradition, and convenience over complications. For them:

• Locker keys are outdated.

• Digital gold and silver through ETFs fit their lifestyle.

• They see gold and silver as assets, not ornaments.

This generational shift is one of the biggest reasons ETFs are booming in popularity.

Future of Gold & Silver Investing in India

With rising awareness, digital adoption, and government-backed transparency, ETFs are set to dominate the precious metals market. Analysts expect steady double-digit growth in gold and silver etf investments over the next decade.

We may even see newer innovations like multi-commodity ETFs, Gold-Silver hybrid ETFs, and easier SIP-based (systematic investment plan) options, making it simpler for everyone to own these assets.

FAQs

1. Are Gold and Silver ETFs safe?

Yes, they are regulated by SEBI and backed by high-purity metals stored in secured vaults.

2. Do ETFs give physical delivery?

Most ETFs settle in cash, but some fund houses may allow conversion into physical gold for large holdings.

3. Can I invest in ETFs without a Demat account?

No, you need a Demat and trading account to invest in ETFs.

4. Are ETFs better than Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)?

SGBs offer fixed interest along with price appreciation but have a lock-in period. ETFs offer better liquidity but no interest income.

5. What’s the minimum amount needed to invest?

You can start with as little as the cost of 1 gram of gold equivalent, which is very affordable.

Conclusion

Gold and silver have always been close to our hearts and wallets. But as lifestyles evolve, so do investment strategies. Lockers, keys, and worries about purity are giving way to digital, safe, and transparent alternatives.

Gold and Silver ETFs are not just a modern way of investing—they represent a smarter, more efficient, and future-ready approach. They preserve the financial security that precious metals bring while eliminating the hassles of storage, safety, and costs.

Why Gold & Silver ETFs Are Replacing Your Locker Keys