India’s cricket team has faced a significant setback following their historic 3-0 Test series defeat to New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This loss marks the first time India has been whitewashed in a three-match Test series at home.
The defeat not only dampens the team’s morale but also puts their hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final in jeopardy. We’re going to break down How Can Team India Qualify for the World Test Championship Final After a 3-0 Defeat to New Zealand?
Team India Slip in WTC Points Table
The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, was unable to chase down a modest target of 147 runs in the final Test, ultimately losing by 26 runs. This defeat has caused India to drop to second place in the WTC standings, with a points percentage (PCT) of 58.33%. Australia now leads with a PCT of 62.50%, followed closely by Sri Lanka at 55.56% and New Zealand at 54.54%.
Before this series, India’s position seemed secure, with expectations high for their chances of reaching the WTC final. However, back-to-back losses in Bengaluru and Pune have dramatically shifted the landscape, leaving them with an uphill battle ahead.
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What India Needs to Qualify for the WTC Final
To secure their place in the WTC final without relying on other teams’ results, India must win at least four of their upcoming five Tests against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series starting November 22. A clean sweep would elevate their PCT significantly and solidify their chances.
Key Scenarios for Qualification:
- Win Four or Five Matches: India must aim for at least four victories against Australia to ensure qualification without depending on other results.
- Minimum Wins Required: If India fails to achieve four wins, they will need favourable outcomes from matches involving other contenders like Sri Lanka and South Africa.
- Avoid Defeats: Any further losses could severely diminish their chances, making it crucial for them to perform exceptionally well in Australia.
Updated World Test Championship Points Table:
As it stands, here are the top teams in the WTC standings:
| Position | Team | Matches Played | Points | PCT (%) |
| 1 | AUS | 12 | 90 | 62.50 |
| 2 | IND | 14 | 98 | 58.33 |
| 3 | SL | 9 | 60 | 55.56 |
| 4 | NZ | 11 | 72 | 54.55 |
| 5 | SA | 8 | 52 | 54.17 |
| 6 | ENG | 19 | 93 | 40.79 |
| 7 | PAK | 10 | 40 | 33.33 |
| 8 | BAN | 10 | 33 | 27.50 |
| 9 | WI | 9 | 20 | 18.52 |
India’s path is fraught with challenges as they prepare for a demanding series against Australia, who are defending champions and have proven difficult opponents in recent years.
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