The World Test Championship finals have consistently featured India. India has lost both of the championship’s finals, where they faced Australia in the second cycle and New Zealand in the first. After losing the first Test match against the Kiwis, India’s hopes of reaching the WTC finals were dashed. Prior to the New Zealand series, they had defeated Bangladesh 2-0.
For the Indian squad, the second Test currently taking place in Pune is becoming a nightmare. Despite holding the visitors to 259, they were unable to duplicate that performance when batting. India was wrapped up for a mere 156 runs thanks to Mitchell Santner destructive play and seven wickets stolen.
Given these factors and the possibility of India losing the Pune Test, concerns about their WTC hopes are growing.
Out of the 12 games they have played, India has won eight, lost three, and drawn one. They have 98 points and 68.060 PCT, placing them at the top of the points table. Australia comes next, with the same number as India but a PCT of 90 points and 62.50.
However, with three victories and an equal number of defeats in seven games, South Africa is in fourth place with 40 points and 47.620 PCT. They are hosting Sri Lanka and Pakistan at home while in Bangladesh for the Test series. Their prospects of reaching the inaugural WTC final will be high if they defeat these Asian nations at home and win the series in Bangladesh.
India still has a chance to advance to their third consecutive WTC final if they win at least three of the six games left in the current cycle.
Given their six-year history in Australia, it would be impossible for a layperson to discount India’s prospects of reaching the WTC final.
Also Read: ‘Well, this is worse than 46 all-out’- Ian Smith criticises Indian batters after Pune Test collapse
The team’s trip to Australia for the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy will take place shortly after the home third Test match against New Zealand.
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