India, Nov. 12 -- For once, the South Africa Tests are not just about revenge, conditions, or match-ups. They are about room to breathe in the World Test Championship race.

Across ten days and two games, India can either launch themselves into a position of control for the 2027 final or condemn the rest of their cycle to a desperate chase from the middle of the pack.

India start the series on 52 points from 7 Tests, a points percentage (PCT) of 61.90%, sitting third behind Australia and Sri Lanka. With two more Tests, their total points contested rise to 108, and because the WTC uses PCT, every result has an implication.

The dream scenario is obvious. A 2-0 win at home gives India 24 points, taking them to 76 from 108, a PCT of 70.37%....