WTC Qualification in Jeopardy? Check How Can India Stay in Race After Crushing IND vs AUS 2nd Test Defeat

IND vs AUS 2nd Test: India’s dreams of reaching a third consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final have hit a roadblock following a crushing defeat in the IND vs AUS 2nd Test. The 10-wicket loss at Adelaide saw India slip to third place in the WTC standings, with their points percentage (PCT) dropping to 57.29%. This defeat has complicated their journey to the final, as they must now rely not only on their own performance but also on the outcomes of other teams, particularly Australia and South Africa.

Let’s break down the scenarios and what India needs to do to stay in the race for the coveted WTC final berth.

The Current WTC Standings: India’s Position Explained

The loss in Adelaide allowed Australia to regain the top spot with a PCT of 60.71%. Meanwhile, South Africa climbed to second, keeping their chances alive. With just three Tests left in the 2023–25 WTC cycle, India’s margin for error has significantly narrowed.

Rohit Sharma’s men now face a steep climb. The equation is simple: winning all three of their remaining matches would guarantee a place in the final. Anything less, and they will depend on other teams faltering to secure their spot.

What Happens If India Wins the Next Three Matches?

If India manages a clean sweep in the remaining three Tests, their PCT will rise to 64.05%, ensuring qualification for the WTC final without relying on other teams. This scenario would keep them in control of their fate, making the upcoming matches must-win encounters.

A slightly less favorable but still viable scenario is winning two matches and drawing one. In this case, India’s PCT would climb to 60.52%, likely enough to edge past Australia. However, this depends on Australia and South Africa not performing exceptionally well in their remaining matches.

The 2-2 Draw Scenario: Risk of Elimination

A drawn Border-Gavaskar Trophy (2-2) would leave India with a PCT of 57.01%. This outcome could prove disastrous, as Australia would need just a 2-0 win against Sri Lanka to eliminate India from contention. South Africa’s performance in their matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan could also complicate matters further.

What Are India’s Rivals Up To?

While India wrestles with their own challenges, Australia and South Africa hold critical pieces of the puzzle. Australia, with only two more Tests in this cycle, will face Sri Lanka. Winning both would strengthen their position at the top. South Africa, however, could potentially topple both Australia and India if they secure victories in their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

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