India has been handed a humiliating 3-0 whitewash at home by New Zealand. And subsequently, team India have now dropped to the second spot in the WTC Standings. For India to now qualify for the WTC Finals, Rohit Sharma and Co will have to win 4 of the 5 remaining Test matches.
Heading into the 3-match IND vs NZ Test series, India were in a comfortable position. They needed just 4 wins from 8 games. With 3 matches lost on a trot, the dynamics have simply turned on its head. It will be extremely difficult for India to win 4 Test matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy away from home.
What India needs to do to reach WTC Finals?
As things stand, India is now placed 2nd in the World Test Championship standings. Meanwhile, Australia have taken the top spot. India need 4 wins out of 5 games to reach their third successive WTC Finals. But 4 wins will mean, India automatically qualifies for the final at Lord’s.
What will happen if India fails to win 4 Test matches? India still has a chance of finishing on top of WTC Standings. But that is extremely uncertain. As for that to happen, India will have to be heavily reliant on favourable outcome of other teams.
India can also reach the finals, if they fail to finish on top. India can also fight hard to finish on the second spot and guarantee their place. As per the WTC rules, at the end of the 2-year cycle, the top 2 placed teams play the finals.