New Zealand has completed a whitewash over India in the ongoing Test series, delivering a setback to Team India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Despite the loss in the Wankhede Test, India remains at No. 2 in the points table, but the race for the final has now intensified. With no more matches against New Zealand, India will next face Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting November 22, which will include five Test matches. So, what are India’s chances now, and what equations will determine their path to the WTC final?
India’s Equation to Reach the WTC Final
India lost the third Test against New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, resulting in a series whitewash. Now, Rohit Sharma and his team must focus on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. As of now, India holds a points percentage of 62.82, sitting in second place, while Australia tops the table with a percentage of 62.5. A single additional loss could automatically eliminate India from the WTC final race.
Before the WTC final schedule, India has five Test matches remaining. To ensure qualification, India must secure at least four wins in the next five matches. In the upcoming Australia series, winning four out of five Tests is crucial. If India falls short, they will need to rely on results from other teams to secure a spot in the final.
India’s Journey So Far
India has reached the WTC final twice. In the first final in 2021, India faced a disappointing 8-wicket loss to New Zealand. In 2023, India made it to the final again, this time facing Australia. Played at The Oval, Australia dominated and won by 209 runs. India is the only country to have played in two WTC finals so far.
Currently, after a successful whitewash against Bangladesh, South Africa holds the No. 3 position on the points table, while New Zealand, following their series win against India, is in fourth. If India loses two Tests in the upcoming Australia series, South Africa and New Zealand could take the lead, and India’s qualification would depend on these teams losing further matches.