India dented their chances of making it to the final of the World Test Championship after a shocking defeat in the Indore Test match against Australia. India can still make it to the final but the defeat in the third Test sent a reminder to the players that the job is still not done. Given India’s dominance in the first two Test matches, they were expected to register a comfortable win in the 3rd Test.
But Australia found a way to negate India’s dominance and they registered a big nine-wicket win over the home team. India still have their destiny in their own hands and a win in the 4th Test match will see them make it to the final. But what happens if India lose the Ahmedabad Test match?
Will they still manage to qualify or will any other team meet Australia in the final at the Oval from June 7 to 11. Here, we have a look at how Team India can miss out on making it to the final of the World Test Championship after its shocking defeat in the Indore Test match.
As mentioned, a win will see India qualify for the final. In case India lose, they will not have their destiny in their own hands. The upcoming Sri Lanka-New Zealand series will become of utmost importance and Sri Lanka can pip India to make it to the final.
Sri Lanka though will have their task cut out. For them to leapfrog India, Sri Lanka will have to defeat the Tim Southee-led side in both Test matches. Even one win and a draw won’t be enough and they will have to whitewash the hosts. The SL-NZ series will be played from March 9 to 21.
Defeating NZ in a series at their home isn’t an easy task and India have will have a strong chance of qualifying for the final even if they suffer another defeat. But should SL shock NZ, they will make a trip to England in June. This will also mean a sad ending to India’s journey in WTC 2021-23 cycle.
