After Adelaide Loss, Can Team India Still Reach the WTC Final? Here’s the Equation

Team India is in trouble in Australia. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s team were unbeaten against the baggy green team in the second Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Adelaide. The ‘Men in Blue’ decided to bat first after winning the toss. Mitchell Starc became formidable with the pink ball on a cloudy day. The innings was wrapped up at 180. In reply, the Aussies, who came out to bat, scored 337 runs. The Indian camp could not avoid a batting disaster in the second innings as well.

They were bowled out for 175 runs after being hit by Pat Cummins’ five-wicket haul. Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja did not have to work hard to reach the target of 19 runs. As a result of this defeat, India lost its advantage in the current series. At the same time, they fell behind in the race for the World Test Championship (WTC).

India is moving away from the final –

The 0-3 series loss against New Zealand (IND vs NZ) at home pushed the Indian team to the brink of the abyss. If they were to step into the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) without facing anyone else, they would have to defeat Australia by at least 4-0. The impeccable victory by 295 runs at the Optus Stadium in Perth had lit a little light of hope. But that flame went out today. The ‘Men in Blue’ had to admit defeat by 10 wickets in the pink ball battle at the Adelaide Oval.

At the same time, all chances of defeating the baggy green army 4-0 were also over today. Rohit and Kohli also lost the top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table after losing four of the last five Tests. They have dropped to third in one fell swoop.

The third World Test Championship (WTC) final is scheduled to be held at the traditional Lord’s in England in June next year. India has qualified twice before. But they lost to New Zealand and Australia in 2021 and 2023 respectively (IND vs AUS). The Indian camp had a chance to erase those two disappointing chapters of Southampton and the Oval at Lord’s. But the way events are progressing, there is considerable doubt whether they will qualify this time. India’s percentage points after the Adelaide Test are 57.29. Australia and South Africa are ahead of them. Pat Cummins’ percentage points at the top are 60.71. And the Proteas camp, in second place, currently has 59.26.

WTC points list at a glance-

It’s tough for India to stand still-

India is in the most difficult situation among the three countries in the race for the final. They have the next three Tests in Australia. After that, they have no more matches in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. To keep their hopes of reaching the final alive, Australia will have to defeat Rohit Sharma in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. On the other hand, Cummins’ team will get the opportunity to play two Tests against Sri Lanka after the India series (IND vs AUS).

Australia will go a long way if they win in the subcontinent. Temba Bavuma is on the verge of winning the series at home against the Sri Lankans. After that, the Proteas will face Pakistan. Their recent Test record is not good at all. If they crush Shan Masood’s team, then South Africa can ensure their ticket to Lord’s.