After suffering a major blow against England in the rescheduled Test and losing the final game, India’s chances to reach the World Test Championship final fell drastically. India suffered a 7-wickets defeat against Brendon McCullum’s England to draw the series 2-2.
Moreover, the ICC deducted 2 points from Team India following a slow over-rate in the game. India now sits 4th in the points table with a win percentage of 52.08. It might look difficult for the Indian team from here to reach the final, but things are still in control of Rahul Dravid & co. The final game of the current WTC 2021-2023 cycle is scheduled to be played in June 2023.
How can India reach the WTC final 2021-2023?
First of all, India needs to do things which are in their control. They must win all of their remaining 6 Tests in the current cycle. It will take their win percentage to 68.05 and will give them a fair chance to make it to the final.
India are scheduled to play two Tests against Bangladesh and a four-game home Test series against Australia. Moreover, for India to qualify, two teams among Australia, Pakistan, and South Africa must finish with less than a win percentage of 68.05.
For that to happen, Australia must lose four Tests and draw another one out of their scheduled 10 Tests. Meanwhile, the Proteas must lose three games or draw at least five games out of their scheduled 8 Tests.
Furthermore, Pakistan should not win more than 5 Tests from their remaining 7 Tests in the WTC 2021-23 cycle. It looks like a pretty confusing scenario at the moment with a lot of variables in play. However, crazier things have happened in the game of cricket and it would be interesting to see how the WTC table for 2021-23 unfolds from here.
As far as Team India is concerned they must focus on winning their remaining games. Meanwhile, if they somehow manage to qualify for the WTC final, it would be dream come true for the Indian fans to see their favourite side in the 2nd consecutive final.