Former Indian cricketer predicts tough WTC defence for South Africa

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes defending champions South Africa face an uphill task in qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2027 final.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra assessed the Proteas’ fixtures in the current cycle and said their schedule leaves little margin for error.

“Australia, England, and Bangladesh are South Africa’s home series. Australia and England will be tough, and they will beat Bangladesh,” he said.

Their away assignments against India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, all in the subcontinent, were identified as the biggest challenge.

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“All three of their away series are in the subcontinent. They will find it difficult to even draw those series. In my opinion, South Africa might not qualify [for the WTC final]. There’s a good chance they won’t,” Aakash Chopra added.

The cricketer-turned-analyst said Bangladesh would be South Africa’s easiest opponent in the cycle, while fixtures against England and New Zealand could still be tricky.

“They will 100 percent win against Bangladesh. They should win against New Zealand. They should win against England as well. However, it’s a five-match series, so they are unlikely to get full points,” he explained.

South Africa are the reigning WTC champions, having defeated Australia by five wickets at Lord’s in the 2023-25 final, their first ICC title since winning the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998.

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