What’s at stake for India in the 4th Test? The Border-Gavaskar trophy 2023 will hit the finale in Ahmedabad. India is currently leading the series 2-1 heading into the fourth Test. Australia with their win in the third Test in Indore has qualified for the WTC Final. India who were in pole position before the third Test find themselves on a tricky wicket.
We explore what’s at stake for India in the 4th Test:
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#1 A spot in WTC Final:
India had to win the series with a margin of 2 victories over Australia in the BGT 2023. The moment they won in Delhi it was expected that the home team will easily make it to the WTC finals. India was expected to whitewash Australia 4-0. But the loss in Indore has put a spanner in India’s progress. The team is on a sticky wicket.
They need to win the fourth Test to assure themselves of a spot in the WTC finals. A loss or draw would mean they need to be dependent on Sri Lanka’s tour to New Zealand. India will be well served to earn the right to play the final on their own merit.
#2 India’s top six under scanner:
The home team’s top order is suffering a collective poor run for the longest time. Post the pandemic, India hasn’t had a significant partnership with the top six. It was either Shreyas Iyer or Rishabh Pant who constantly bailed out the side in Indian conditions. Their individual brilliance has often overshadowed the failures of the top order.
Pant’s injury has left a big hole in the team’s ability to stay on top of opposition spinners. The fourth Test will be a big challenge for India’s under-fire top order. India needs its star players to turn up for the main Test.
#3 India’s 11 years record at stake:
The toughest place to tour in world cricket is India. Not many visiting teams have tasted success in India in recent times. India last lost a home series back in 2012 when they down to England 1-2. It was also the last time India lost two successive Tests at home. India in the last 23 years has dropped just 3 series at home.
South Africa won against India in 2000 (2-0), Australia had the better of India in 2004 (2-1), and England defeated India in 2012 (2-1). India won’t lose the series even if they lose to Australia but their proud 11-year record of losing 2 Tests at home is up for grabs.
#4 The last hurrah for battle-hardened heroes:
India’s battle-hardened heroes in all likelihood will be playing their last BGT series. The likes of Rohit, Pujara, Virat Kohli, Jadeja, and Ashwin won’t be around come the next BGT edition. India has successfully won the last 3 editions and has retained the fourth one too. It is largely down to the contribution of these veterans that India has prevailed on the right side of the result. A 3-1 series win will be a fitting finale for these legends!
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