India WTC chances after New Zealand series

India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final have taken a significant hit after a 3-0 defeat to New Zealand on home soil. The loss has brought India down to second in the WTC standings, with Australia at the top, and India now facing a challenging path to secure a spot in the WTC final at Lord’s. Let’s know about India WTC chances after New Zealand series.

Before this series, India was in a favorable spot to reach the WTC final. However, the defeat has placed them in a situation where winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia is now crucial to their qualification hopes.

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The 3-0 defeat to New Zealand is a historic one, marking the first time India has been whitewashed in a three-match Test series at home. The loss not only affects India’s ranking but also dampens their momentum heading into the upcoming series against Australia. India’s percentage in the WTC standings has now dropped to 58.33%, leaving them in a precarious position.

India’s Path To WTC Finals: Dominate Border-Gavaskar Trophy

To secure a place in the WTC final, India must deliver a dominant performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting on November 22. Here are India’s potential scenarios:

  • Winning 5-0 or 4-0: India must aim for a clean sweep in Australia, as a 5-0 or 4-0 win would allow them to avoid relying on other teams’ results.
  • Winning 4-1: Even with a 4-1 win, India risks being outpaced by teams like South Africa, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand, who still have strong chances if they perform well in their respective series.

Key Series to Watch Out For

Aside from their own games, India’s fate could also depend on results in other series. If India fails to secure a dominant victory in Australia, Rohit Sharma and his team will have to closely watch these series to keep their WTC aspirations alive. These matches could impact India’s chances in the WTC standings;

  • South Africa vs Pakistan
  • Sri Lanka vs Australia
  • South Africa vs Sri Lanka

Conclusion: What’s the Future of India in WTC 2023-25 Cycle?

India’s journey to the WTC final is now steeper, and a strong performance against Australia is critical. With six teams still in contention, India will need both a winning streak and favorable outcomes in other series to make it to the final.

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