India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final have been placed in jeopardy after two consecutive losses against New Zealand in the ongoing three-match Test series. The latest defeat, by 113 runs in the second Test at Pune, has put significant pressure on Rohit Sharma’s side to secure victories in their remaining fixtures to ensure a place in the WTC final at Lord’s next year.
In the second Test, India fell short of the 359-run target, managing just 245 runs in 60.2 overs. While Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with 77 runs, the team crumbled under the bowling attack of New Zealand’s all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who took 13 wickets in the match. The loss marked India’s second straight defeat, further complicating their road to the WTC final.
India’s Current WTC Standings:
Despite these two losses, India remains at the top of the WTC 2023-25 points table with a PCT% (percentage of points) of 62.82. However, the gap between India and Australia, which holds second place with 62.50%, has significantly narrowed.
Here’s the updated WTC points table after the second Test:
- India: 13 matches, 8 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw, PCT% 62.82
- Australia: 12 matches, 8 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw, PCT% 62.50
- Sri Lanka: 9 matches, 5 wins, 4 losses, PCT% 55.56
- New Zealand: 10 matches, 5 wins, 5 losses, PCT% 50.00
- South Africa: 7 matches, 3 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw, PCT% 47.62
What India Needs to Do to Qualify:
To secure a place in the WTC 2025 final, India must win at least four of their remaining six matches. Failure to do so could see them lose control over their fate and rely on the results of other teams. The two losses have made their position at the top more precarious, with Australia just 0.32 PCT% behind.
India still holds the advantage, but the upcoming third and final Test against New Zealand will be crucial. A loss or a draw in this match could further hurt India’s chances and allow teams like Sri Lanka and South Africa to catch up.
Upcoming Matches and Challenges:
After the final Test against New Zealand, India will face a tough series in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where they will play five matches. To qualify for the WTC final, India needs to win four matches out of the six remaining in these two series.
Other Teams’ Scenarios:
- Australia: If Australia wins their upcoming matches, including a series against Pakistan, they could overtake India in the WTC standings.
- Sri Lanka: With a PCT% of 55.56, Sri Lanka remains in contention for a top-two finish. If they continue to perform well, they could challenge India for a place in the final.
- New Zealand: New Zealand’s back-to-back victories against India have pushed them to fourth place with a PCT% of 50.00. They will need to maintain consistency in their remaining fixtures to have a shot at the final.
Conclusion:
India’s qualification for the WTC 2025 final is still within their grasp, but they must win at least four of their next six matches to secure a spot. The next Test against New Zealand and the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia will be crucial in determining whether India can maintain their place at the top and reach the final at Lord’s.