New Delhi: Not long ago, India were cruising towards the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Following a thumping 2-0 whitewash of Bangladesh, India, in all certainty, looked set to face Australia in the second successive WTC final for the second cycle running.
India’s proud home run continued against the Bangla Tigers and expectations soared high of another home series win against New Zealand, which would have all but confirmed their place in the final.
But after a shock 0-3 loss at home against the Kiwis, India find themselves in a difficult situation and face a tough road ahead to reach the third successive final.
The home humbling has put India in jeopardy ahead of a big tour to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy five-match Test series.
Once the hot favourites, India are no longer even the third favourite to qualify for the final. While India face a tough test in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have a far more straightforward path to the WTC final.
The only way India can reach the final without worrying about the other results is if they beat Australia 4-0 or 5-0 away from home. Looking at their current form and vulnerable mental state after NZ drubbing, it’s highly unlikely for Rohit Sharma’s men to blank the Aussies in four or five Tests without losing. A single loss could be enough to derail India’s WTC final chances.
Even if India win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 4-1 there is still a possibility of their disqualification. New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka all can finish with a higher PCT (points percentage) if they emerge victorious in their remaining games. While only one of SL or SA can reach maximum PCT – since they play each other – it will all but over for India if the Kiwis and one of South Africa/Sri Lanka win each of their remaining Tests.
Fixtures and maximum PCT each team can reach
Australia: 76.31 PCT (7 matches remaining, 5 at home vs India, 2 away vs Sri Lanka)
South Africa: 69.44 PCT (4 matches remaining, 2 at home vs Sri Lanka and 2 at home vs Pakistan)
India – 69.29 PCT (5 matches remaining, all 5 away vs Australia)
Sri Lanka – 69.23 PCT (4 matches remaining, 2 away vs South Africa and 2 at home vs Australia)
New Zealand – 62.28 PCT (3 matches remaining, all 3 at home vs England)
All WTC scenarios explained
