WTC Final qualificationIndia’s chances take massive hit after Pune Test loss

India have actually been handed a mega blow by New Zealand on the planet Test Championship. Having actually led the WTC points table for the longest time in the 2023-25 cycle, India have actually failed at the very end. The Rohit Sharma side has actually lost their first-ever Test series versus New Zealand in the house, which suggests that their WTC points portion has actually taken a huge hit.

The Indian group, which had above 70 Points portion (PCT) ahead of the New Zealand Test series, has actually been fallen to 62.82, with just 6 Tests staying in the WTC cycle. With the series defeat, India’s opportunities of reaching the last of the competition next year have actually taken an enormous hit. India now directly lead Australia – who have 62.50 PCT, with other groups quickly reaching them.

Where do India precisely stand in the race for the WTC Final? And can they pay for anymore losses? Let’s take a look.

No More Complacency

With their very first Test series loss in 11 years, India have actually put themselves in a tight area. Within 8 days, India’s PCT in the WTC cycle has actually dipped from 74 percent to 62.82 percent. Rohit Sharma’ s group still sticks on to the leading area, with a slim lead over second-placed Australia.

IND vs NZ, 2nd Test 3rd DayHighlights|Scorecard

Having actually lost the very first 2 matches versus New Zealand, India can not manage anymore complacency. India still have their fortunes in their hands, however losing more Test matches will suggest that India’s opportunities to reach the WTC Final will depend upon the outcomes of other groups. India will next play New Zealand in the 3rd Test in Mumbai from November 1 and after that take a trip to Australia to play 5 matches in the masterpiece Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Australia and New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka are the other groups that might obstruct India’ s opportunities in the rest of this cycle.

The Number Of Defeats Can India pay for?

To put it just and rather clearly – India can not pay for a single loss in their next 6 Test matches if they do not wish to depend upon other outcomes. If India wish to reach the WTC last in a commanding way, the group needs to win a minimum of 5 Test matches and draw 1 to stay above 70 PCT. It is not likely that India will be able to handle a 4-0 or a 5-0 series sweep versus Australia, who are the protecting World Test Champions.

In a more reasonable situation, India will require to win a minimum of 2 Test matches from here on to stay in contention for the last. With 2 wins and 4 draws – which will keep their PCT above 60, India will have to depend on other outcomes.

Who Are India’s Nearest Competitors?

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka are presently positioned 3rd in the WTC points table and are the closest rival to India and Australia. Sri Lanka have 4 Tests staying –– 2 versus South Africa away and 2 versus Australia later on in 2025, and they need to win all their video games to get approved for the last of the competition.

Presently, put 3rd with a PCT of 55.56, Sri Lanka can end up with 108 points with 4 succeeding wins. That would raise the Lankan Lions to a PCT of 69.23. In case Sri Lanka win all 4, India will just have the ability to much better them with a minimum of 5 wins in 6 Test matches.

South Africa

South Africa are now the dark horses to reach the WTC Final, having actually won the very first Test versus Bangladesh. Need to South Africa win the 2nd Test in Bangladesh and finish a series sweep, they have a sensible possibility of making it to the last, offered they will play 4 Test matches in the house – versus Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

With wins in all of these matches, South Africa can end up with a PCT of 69.44, leaving India with the obstacle of not yielding another defeat and drawing just one video game to protect a minimum of 71.05 PCT with 5 wins.

Australia

It is extremely not likely that India and Australia will make it to the WTC last together regardless of keeping the leading 2 areas presently. Australia can protect their berth with 4 wins from their staying 7 Tests –– 5 in your home versus India and 2 versus Sri Lanka.