India delivered a historic performance in Mullanpur, defeating Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs in the one-off Test match. The dominant victory became the largest innings win in India’s Test cricket history, but surprisingly, it did not help the team gain any points in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings.
The result was a major confidence booster for captain Shubman Gill and his team, but it had no bearing on the championship race.
Record-Breaking Victory for Team India
India completely outplayed Afghanistan across all departments during the Test match. After building a massive first-innings lead, the hosts enforced the follow-on and bundled Afghanistan out for just 112 in their second innings.
The Indian bowling attack once again proved too strong for the visitors. Washington Sundar led the charge with four wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav claimed three. Debutant Manav Suthar, who starred with a six-wicket haul in the first innings, also contributed to the team’s historic success.
The emphatic result surpassed India’s previous record innings victory and added another memorable chapter to the nation’s Test cricket journey.
Why Didn’t India Get WTC Points?
Despite the massive win, India did not receive any World Test Championship points because the match was not included in the official WTC 2025-27 schedule.
The championship currently features nine participating Test-playing nations. Afghanistan are not part of the ongoing cycle, meaning matches involving them do not contribute to the WTC points table.
As a result, India’s victory was recorded as a regular Test win without any championship implications.
India’s Position Remains Unchanged
The Mullanpur victory did not improve India’s standing in the World Test Championship rankings. The team remains sixth in the table with four wins, four defeats and one draw from nine matches.
While the performance showcased India’s strength, the focus will now shift to upcoming WTC fixtures where valuable points will be on offer.
Australia continue to lead the standings after an excellent start to the cycle, with South Africa positioned closely behind.
Manav Suthar Impresses on Test Debut
One of the biggest positives for India was the performance of left-arm spinner Manav Suthar. Making his Test debut, Suthar produced an outstanding six-wicket haul in Afghanistan’s first innings.
The young spinner became only the tenth Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut, highlighting the depth of India’s emerging talent pool.
His performance, combined with strong displays from Sundar and Kuldeep, ensured Afghanistan never found momentum in the contest.
India’s Biggest Innings Wins in Test Cricket
Following the Mullanpur triumph, India’s largest innings victories now include:
- Innings and 300 runs vs Afghanistan, Mullanpur (2026)
- Innings and 272 runs vs West Indies, Rajkot (2018)
- Innings and 262 runs vs Afghanistan, Bengaluru (2018)
- Innings and 239 runs vs Bangladesh, Mirpur (2007)
- Innings and 239 runs vs Sri Lanka, Nagpur (2017)
Positive Signs Ahead for Gill’s Team
Although no WTC points were earned, the dominant display will boost confidence within the Indian dressing room. After facing criticism following recent Test setbacks, the team responded with a commanding all-round performance.
The victory not only highlighted India’s bowling depth but also provided valuable momentum ahead of crucial assignments later in the season. With several important Test series on the horizon, Gill and his squad will hope to carry this form into matches that directly impact their World Test Championship campaign.
