New Delhi: India’s hopes to take revenge for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final loss have taken a massive setback after the team finds itself in a tricky position. The Men in Blue conceded a home test series loss after 12 years in Pune.
While the magnitude of the defeat is felt across the Indian cricketing circles, a more gripping question surrounds the Indian team as to whether the men in blue can qualify for the WTC Final or not.
The situation becomes a little bit complicated with the 2-0 loss against New Zealand back at home. The loss against Kiwis means India’s WTC points percentage (PCT) will dip from above 74 per cent to 62.82 per cent within eight days. However, Rohit Sharma’s team will still cling to the top spot, with a slender lead over second-placed Australia at 62.50.
How can India qualify for WTC?
Meanwhile, India has an uphill task in front of them if they are to qualify for the WTC without doing the mathematics. Furthermore, to qualify without depending on others, India cannot afford another defeat in their remaining six matches. Moreover, India can only afford a maximum of one draw and win five games to finish on a PCT of 71.05.
With six outright wins, Rohit and Co. can accumulate 170 points at a commanding 74.56 PCT. That would require India to pull off a stunning 5-0 coup Down Under against the defending WTC champions.
India’s fortune continues to be in its hands. However, the men in blue can also benefit from the misery of other teams should any more slip-ups happen. The men in blue will now travel to Mumbai for the third test starting from November 1. Subsequently, the Indian team will take the long route down under for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between November 22 and early January.
Updated WTC 2024 Table
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | D | DED | Pts | PCT |
| 1 | India | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 98 | 62.82 |
| 2 | Australia | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 90 | 62.50 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 55.56 |
| 4 | South Africa | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 40 | 47.62 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 44.44 |
| 6 | England | 19 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 19 | 93 | 40.79 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 40 | 33.33 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 33 | 30.56 |
| 9 | West Indies | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 20 | 18.52 |