WTC 2023-25: How Many Tests Does India Need to Win to get to the Final?
WTC 2023-25: India has been dominant in Test cricket recently, solidifying their position at the top of the ICC rankings. Their 4-1 victory against England in the recently concluded series is a testament to their form. Youngsters like Shubman Gill stepped up, while veterans like Ravichandran Ashwin continued their stellar performances. This winning streak, with 6 wins in 9 Tests, puts them on a strong path to reach a historic third consecutive World Test Championship final and is currently in a strong position to reach there. Here’s a breakdown of their qualification scenario:
WTC Current Standings:
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Points | PCT |
| India | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 74 | 68.51 |
| Australia | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 90 | 62.50 |
| New Zealand | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 36 | 50.00 |
| Bangladesh | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 50 |
| Pakistan | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 22 | 36.66 |
| West Indies | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 16 | 33.33 |
| South Africa | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 25.00 |
| England | 10 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 21 | 17.50 |
| Sri Lanka | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
- India sits at the top of the WTC points table with a Percentage of Points (PCT) of 68.52%.
- They have played 9 Tests, winning 6, drawing 1, and losing 2.
- 10 Tests remain in their WTC cycle schedule.
The Magic Number: 5 Wins
Realistically, India needs to win 5 out of their remaining 10 Tests to secure a spot in the final. This number can fluctuate slightly depending on the performance of other contenders, but 5 wins provide a strong buffer.
The Path Ahead:
- India has a favorable schedule with series against Bangladesh (2 Tests), New Zealand (3 Tests), and a tour of Australia (5 Tests).
- Winning against Bangladesh and New Zealand at home is likely, while the away series in Australia will be a bigger challenge.
Safety Net:
More Wins or Strategic Draws
- Winning more than 5 Tests will further solidify India’s position and minimize dependence on other teams’ results.
- Strategic draws can also be beneficial, especially in Australia where winning might be difficult.
The Competition:
- Australia, at number two in the rankings, is India’s biggest competitor. They need to win 4 out of their remaining 7 Tests.
- Other teams like South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan require a higher win rate (around 7 wins in remaining matches) to overtake India.
India’s strong performance and upcoming schedule make them the frontrunners for the WTC final. However, maintaining focus and performing well throughout the remaining Tests will be crucial to secure their place.
DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
