India is sure to play WTC final! What will have to be done to qualify, understand the whole number game here

Vilas Dhadke
10 Min Read
  • World Test Championship: Will Team India, captained by Rohit Sharma, be able to qualify for the final? Will the Indian team be able to win the World Test Championship title for the first time?
WTC
Indian cricket team.
Source : X/ Twitter

WTC Final, Points Table:

 The final of the World Test Championship will be played on 11 June 2025 at the historic ground of Lord’s. But the question is whether Team India, captained by Rohit Sharma, will be able to qualify for the final? Will the Indian team be able to win the World Test Championship title for the first time? Actually, the Indian team defeated Bangladesh in the Chennai Test. After this, Team India has got tremendous benefit in the World Test Championship points table. Currently, the Indian team is at the top of the points table of the World Test Championship.

What is the equation for the Indian team?

India remains number-1 in the World Test Championship points table with a win percentage of 71.67. At the same time, the gap between Australia, which is at the second position in the World Test Championship points table, and India has become 9.16 percentage points. Australia has 62.50 percent points. Anyway, what is the equation for India now? Actually, the Indian team has to play 9 Tests before the World Test Championship, out of which it has to win 5. If Team India manages to win 4 Tests and 1 Test is drawn, it will still qualify for the final.

Now India will play against these teams

Let us tell you that before the World Test Championship, the Indian team has to play the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh as well as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against New Zealand and Australia. Team India will play a 3-Test series against New Zealand. After this, Team India captained by Rohit Sharma will go on a tour. A 5-Test series will be played between India and Australia on this tour. Actually, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is going to be very important in view of the World Test Championship final, but if we look at the points table at this time, it is almost certain that India will play in the final.

With the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) heating up, India finds itself within striking distance of securing a spot in the final. After a series of dominant performances, India has solidified its position in the upper echelons of the WTC points table. However, with several key fixtures remaining and competition from other teams, India’s road to the final still requires strategic planning and clinical execution. Here’s a look at the number game and what India needs to do to ensure a place in the WTC final.

1. Current Standings and Points Percentage

In the WTC, teams are ranked based on their “points percentage” (PCT), which is calculated by the percentage of points earned from the total points available in each series. Currently, India stands in the top two with a high percentage, but they are being closely chased by teams like South Africa, Australia, and Pakistan. To secure their spot in the final, India must continue to maintain or improve their PCT.

Teams earn:

  • 12 points for a win
  • 4 points for a draw
  • 6 points for a tie
  • No points for a loss However, points can be deducted for slow over-rates, a crucial aspect India will need to keep an eye on to avoid unnecessary penalties.

2. The Remaining Fixtures: Must-Win Series

India’s upcoming Test series are pivotal in ensuring their place in the WTC final. Among these, the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia looms large. Historically, this series has been highly competitive, and with both teams vying for the top spot, every win is critical.

India must aim to win this series convincingly. A 3-1 or 4-0 series victory will not only improve their points percentage but also reduce Australia’s chances of overtaking them on the leaderboard. Securing at least 2 wins is essential, but anything less than a series win could complicate India’s qualification hopes.

3. Avoiding a Draw or Loss

While victories will solidify India’s position, draws or losses could open the door for other teams to surpass them. Teams like South Africa and Pakistan still have matches left, and any slip-ups by India could allow them to close the gap. Even a drawn Test match could impact India’s points percentage significantly.

With challenging overseas tours ahead, particularly in conditions not traditionally favorable to India, the team must focus on winning, as even one or two losses could leave them vulnerable to other contenders.

4. Contenders to Watch Out For

Several other teams are also in contention for a spot in the WTC final. Here’s a look at some of India’s competitors:

  • Australia: The top contender, with a strong points percentage. However, their series against India will be crucial in determining which of these two teams takes the lead.
  • South Africa: Despite some losses, they are still in the hunt for the final. A few wins in their remaining fixtures could propel them into the top two.
  • Pakistan: A dark horse in the race, Pakistan can turn things around with a strong finish to the WTC cycle.

India must not only focus on their own performance but also keep an eye on how these teams fare in their upcoming matches.

5. Discipline and Avoiding Penalties

India has faced penalties in the past due to slow over-rates, which has led to point deductions. With margins in the WTC standings being so narrow, even minor infractions can prove costly. The team will need to ensure they adhere to over-rate regulations and avoid unnecessary fines or penalties, which could impact their chances of qualification.

6. The Importance of a Strong Bowling Attack

India’s bowling attack will play a critical role in the remaining matches, particularly against strong batting sides like Australia. With key bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin leading the charge, India has the firepower to dismantle top orders. However, maintaining fitness and avoiding injuries in this crucial period will be paramount. India’s bowlers will need to deliver consistent performances to ensure that the team doesn’t leave matches in precarious positions.

7. Batting Depth: Delivering in Crunch Moments

India’s batting lineup, featuring stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara, will need to perform at their best. In Test cricket, especially against strong bowling attacks like Australia’s, big first-innings totals can often decide the match. India’s top and middle order will have to avoid collapses and capitalize on good starts to post match-winning totals.

Additionally, contributions from emerging stars like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant will be crucial. Depth in the batting order is essential, as lower-order contributions often become the difference in closely fought matches.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

India is tantalizingly close to securing a spot in the WTC final, but the path ahead requires a focused and determined approach. A combination of consistent wins, maintaining points percentage, avoiding penalties, and keeping an eye on competitors will be key to their qualification. With some crucial series coming up, especially the highly anticipated Australia clash, India must seize the moment and ensure they play their best cricket to make it to the WTC final.

If India manages to execute their plans effectively, the nation could soon see themselves vying for the ultimate prize in Test cricket – the WTC title.

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