The race for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 is heating up, and despite a heavy defeat to Australia in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), India still has a shot at making it to the prestigious final at Lord’s. In this article, we explore India’s current position in the WTC points table, how their qualification chances stand after the loss, and the scenarios that could see them through to the final.
India’s Current Position in the WTC Points Table
Following their 184-run defeat to Australia in the fourth Test, India remains in third place on the WTC points table, with 52.78% of points won (PCT). Australia, who won the MCG Test, is in second place with 61.46% PCT, strengthening their bid for the final.
Here’s how the WTC points table looks post the India vs. Australia fourth Test:
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Points | PCT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa (Q) | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 88 | 66.67 |
| 2 | Australia | 16 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 118 | 61.46 |
| 3 | India | 18 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 114 | 52.78 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 81 | 48.21 |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 60 | 45.45 |
| 6 | England | 22 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 114 | 43.18 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 45 | 31.25 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 11 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 40 | 30.30 |
| 9 | West Indies | 11 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 32 | 24.24 |
As seen in the updated table, South Africa has already qualified for the WTC final after their thrilling win against Pakistan. With just a few matches left in the current cycle, all eyes are on India and Australia as they fight for the second spot.
India’s WTC Final Qualification Scenarios
The road to qualification is still within India’s reach, but the next few matches will be crucial. Here’s how India can qualify for the WTC final despite the setback in Melbourne:
1. India’s Path to Qualification: Win the Sydney Test
India has only one option left to stay in the race: win the final Test against Australia in Sydney, starting January 3, 2024. A victory will give them a 55.26% PCT, which puts them in a strong position to challenge Australia for the second spot.
With a 2-2 series draw, India will retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and increase their chances of qualification. However, their fate would still depend on Sri Lanka’s performance against Australia.
2. Sri Lanka’s Role in India’s Qualification
If India wins in Sydney, they will have to rely on Sri Lanka to beat Australia 2-0 in their upcoming series. This result would give India a glimmer of hope to qualify for the final.
If Australia manages to win even one Test against Sri Lanka, they would surpass India’s PCT and secure the final spot, leaving India out of contention. Therefore, for India to make it, Sri Lanka must perform exceptionally well and ensure a series victory against Australia.
3. Consequences of Losing or Drawing the Sydney Test
If India fails to win the Sydney Test, their hopes of qualifying for the WTC final will be dashed. In the case of a loss or a draw, India will remain stuck with their current 52.78% PCT, effectively ending their campaign.
What Happened on Day 5 at the MCG?
India’s hopes were significantly dampened on the final day of the fourth Test at the MCG, where they struggled to counter Australia’s relentless bowling attack. Yashasvi Jaiswal, with his 84 runs off 208 balls, showed resilience, but his lone effort was not enough to save India. Rishabh Pant (30 off 104) also fought hard, but India’s batting frailties were exposed once again, especially after Pant’s dismissal.
Australia’s Pat Cummins was the standout bowler, picking up key wickets and finishing with figures of 3/24 in the second innings. Australia had resumed their innings on 228/9 and were bowled out for 234, setting India a target they could not chase.
India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah (5/57), did their best to restrict Australia, but the target proved too much for the visitors. The loss has placed India in a tight spot in the WTC race, but as explained earlier, a win in Sydney could still keep their hopes alive.
Conclusion: India’s WTC Qualification is Still Possible
Despite the heavy loss at the MCG, India can still qualify for the WTC Final 2025. The key lies in winning the final Test against Australia in Sydney and hoping for Sri Lanka to take down Australia in their series. While the scenario remains challenging, India’s fate is still in their hands, and with a strong performance in Sydney, they can secure their place at Lord’s for the final.
India’s WTC qualification hopes are still very much alive, but the next few days will be crucial for Rohit Sharma and his team.
By understanding these scenarios and keeping an eye on Sri Lanka’s performance, fans can stay optimistic as the WTC journey nears its thrilling conclusion.
FAQs: WTC 2025 Qualification Scenarios
Q1: How can India qualify for the WTC final?
India must win the final Test in Sydney and hope for Sri Lanka to beat Australia 2-0 in their upcoming series.
Q2: What is India’s current PCT in the WTC points table?
India currently holds a PCT of 52.78%, which is third in the standings.
Q3: Can India qualify if they lose or draw the Sydney Test?
No, India will be eliminated from contention if they lose or draw the Sydney Test.
Q4: Who has already qualified for the WTC final?
South Africa has already secured their spot in the final after beating Pakistan.
