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India’s WTC hopes to hang by a thread after losing the second Test. Can they still qualify for the 2025 WTC final? Explore the scenarios and challenges

The World Test Championship journey of India is like a roller coaster ride. The roller coaster ride turns crazy when India after winning in Perth, gets back to number one in the WTC standings, only to lose the second Test and slide down to third. Apparently, this fluctuating nature of the WTC points table shows that no one turns out to be safe when it doesn’t book a ticket to the finals.

South Africa is on the verge of qualifying for the WTC finals as the first team, while the final race has come down to two cricket giants: India and Australia. India is now in a burning five-match Test series with Australia, battling not just for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also for a place in the WTC Final.

India vs Australia Test series updates:

  • India won the first Test in Perth.
  • Australia bounced back by winning the pink-ball Test.
  • The third test is ongoing at the Gabba.

But what lies ahead if India doesn’t manage to win the Gabba Test? Let’s dive into the scenarios and explore India’s path to the WTC Final in 2025.

What Happens If India Loses the Gabba Test?

If India loses the Gabba Test, their chances of qualifying for the WTC final will become more challenging but not impossible. Here’s a breakdown of the likely scenarios:

  1. India’s Current Standing:
    • With this being India’s last series in the WTC cycle, every match matters.
    • A loss at the Gabba means the series scoreline could go 2-1 in favor of Australia.

  1. The Path to Qualification:
    • India must win the remaining two Tests to finish the series 3-2.
    • However, India’s fate will no longer be in their hands entirely. They would need external help:
    • Sri Lanka’s Role: India would need Sri Lanka to at least draw one Test in their two-match home series against Australia. This would help dilute Australia’s stronghold on the WTC table.

  1. Permutations and Combinations:
    • If India loses at Gabba but wins the last two Tests, they remain in contention.
    • If they fail to win the last two games, their chances diminish significantly.
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