How Can India Qualify For The WTC 2023-25 Final? Fresh Scenario After Loss Against New Zealand

On Sunday, Team India suffered its third loss in the ongoing World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. After South Africa and England, it is the third SENA country- New Zealand- that has inflicted defeat on India. The massive batting collapse in the first innings left Team India with too much to salvage in Bengaluru. Nevertheless, the team stood up to the challenge in the 2nd innings but could only push the visitors to chase a meagre 107. New Zealand got to the total seamlessly with 8 wickets in hand and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

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How Can India Qualify For The WTC 2023-25 Final

Despite the loss, Team India has remained firm on top in the updated World Test Championship points table. However, the loss has somewhat distanced the WTC final spot from India. With seven games left in the cycle, Team India needs to pick a "W" in four of them at least and requires two draws too, in order to qualify for the final. A clean sweep over New Zealand would have taken the pressure off but it wasn't to be. In fact, India would now look to pick victories over New Zealand in the remaining two matches at any cost. The objective would be to cover as much ground as possible ahead of the daunting tour Downunder, where India will play Australia five Tests in the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Thus, the equation is simple yet complex, win four games at least or to simplify it even further, win both the remaining series and qualify for the WTC final for the third successive time. Howbeit, it is too early for assumptions, as should India dwindle from its path, other teams could also have a say in drawing the final picture.