Explained: How India can still qualify for WTC final after historic series defeat to New Zealand | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: India’s World Test Championship (WTC) journey has taken a sudden hit following a historic series defeat to New Zealand at home.
After falling short in Pune, India suffered its first home Test series loss since 2012, casting doubt over its WTC 2023-2025 final qualification hopes.
In the second Test, India stumbled to 245 all out in their second innings, losing by 113 runs to the Kiwis.
Despite Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brilliant 77 off 65 balls, the Indian side faltered under relentless pressure from Mitchell Santner, who claimed 13 wickets over two innings in the second Test.
A promising 62-run stand between Jaiswal and Shubman Gill gave India hope, but they collapsed against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling, handing over the series.
India’s position in the WTC standings has now shifted.
Before the second match, Rohit Sharma’s team led the table with a percentage (PCT) of 68.06. However, back-to-back losses to New Zealand have dropped their PCT to 62.82, narrowing their path to the final.
Australia sit close behind at 62.50, followed by Sri Lanka at 55.56.
What India must do to reach the WTC final
To stay on course for the WTC final at Lord’s next summer, India must perform impeccably in their remaining fixtures.
The team has one more match against New Zealand before heading to Australia for a crucial five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Winning at least four of these six remaining games will give them a strong chance of securing a spot in the final.
However, if India falter, they’ll have to rely on favourable outcomes from other series.
Australia, Sri Lanka, and South Africa’s upcoming clashes will heavily influence India’s prospects. Notably, Sri Lanka’s matches against Australia and South Africa could make or break India’s hopes.
Though the road ahead is steep, India remain in the hunt. Success against Australia will be critical if they aim to reach their third consecutive WTC final. The team now faces the challenge of rediscovering form and maintaining consistency under pressure.
