India has been performing well in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, winning series after series. After their recent clean sweep against Bangladesh, India is firmly placed at the top of the WTC points table. But the big question is: how many more matches does India need to win to secure their place in the WTC final?
Currently, India sits comfortably at the top of the table with 98 points from 11 matches, including eight wins, two losses, and one draw. With eight matches remaining in this WTC cycle, India’s chances of making it to the final for the third consecutive time are strong. However, they are not officially qualified yet.
What’s Next for Team India?
India’s remaining matches include a three-match Test series against New Zealand at home, starting from October 16, followed by a five-match series against Australia in December. To secure their place in the WTC final, India needs to win at least a few more games. A 3-0 win against New Zealand will almost guarantee their spot in the final.
Australia, currently in second place with 90 points, and Sri Lanka in third, pose the biggest threats to India’s qualification. Australia has 12 matches under their belt, with eight wins, three losses, and one draw, while Sri Lanka has five wins from nine matches. A strong showing in India’s remaining series will put them ahead of their competitors.
Mathematics Behind India’s Qualification
If India wins two Tests in the upcoming series, their points percentage (PCT) will rise to 65.79, which will strengthen their position in the final race. Even if Australia wins three of their matches and New Zealand manages to draw one against India, India will still likely secure a place in the final.
On the other hand, if India fails to perform well in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against Australia in December, their chances could be affected. In this case, India will have to rely on the results of Sri Lanka’s series against South Africa and Australia.
Key Challenges Ahead
While India is in a strong position, the upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia will be crucial. Both teams are strong contenders, and any slip-ups could put India’s qualification in danger. However, with India playing at home, the team is expected to perform well and solidify its position.
In conclusion, India’s journey to the WTC final looks promising, but with an important series ahead, the team must continue their winning momentum to avoid any surprises.
