India’s journey to the WTC final has become more arduous after their comprehensive defeat at the hands of Australia in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The visitors were defeated by 10 wickets in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, and they slipped to third place in the WTC standings with their point percentage dropping to 57.29. This defeat pushed India out of the top two, with Australia regaining the lead and South Africa moving up to second. With only three Tests remaining in the 2023-25 WTC cycle, India’s chances of reaching their third consecutive WTC final have become significantly tougher. India previously made it to finals in 2019-21 and 2021-23.
Australia Back On The Top
Australia won in Adelaide, and that took them back to the top of the WTC table. They now boast a point percentage of 60.71, from an initial 57.69, but South Africa, sitting second, could take over at the top if they win the second Test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha. If India can win without relying on other results to book their spot in the WTC final, then the losses must be stopped during this cycle. According to both Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir, India can afford only one more draw at most. If they manage two wins and one draw, their point percentage will rise to 60.52, which will be enough to see them through. If India wins all three remaining Tests, their PCT will increase to 64.05, ensuring progression to the final. However, if they fail to win all three, they will need other results to fall in their favor.
Possible Scenarios On India’s Qualification
If India wins 3-2: India will be left with 134 points and a PCT of 58.77. Australia would not be able to top this, as they have just two more Tests against Sri Lanka. South Africa could potentially overtake India if they win all their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Yet, India would still be in the WTC final in this case.
If India wins 3-1: In this situation, India will end up scoring 138 points and a PCT of 60.52, which Australia is bound to fail to surpass. That would send India to the WTC final.
What Happens If BGT Is Drawn?
If the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is drawn 2-2: In this case, India will be left with 126 points and a PCT of 57.01. Australia could then go ahead of India if they beat Sri Lanka 2-0 in their Tests. Should they win 2-0, India will be ruled out of the WTC final.
India’s hopes of qualifying now depend on their remaining games and the outcomes of the other teams, especially South Africa and Australia. With no scope for mistakes, Rohit Sharma’s team will have to give a perfect performance in the last three Tests to qualify for the World Test Championship final.
