While the World Test Championship Final is considered to be the pinnacle of Test cricket, it also brings an unrivaled level of excitement and prestige to the longest version of the game. With India’s recent victory over Australia in the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which they won by a resounding margin of 295 runs, their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship Final, which is slated to take place at Lord’s in June 2025, have been rekindled. In this article, we will discuss India’s current standing, the problems they face, and the path that lies ahead for all of the contending teams that are seeking to reach the final round of the World Test Championship.
The World Test Championship Final is comprised of what exactly?
Within the context of the International Cricket Council’s World Test Championship, which is a global tournament that provides additional significance to bilateral Test series, the World Test Championship Final is the final clash. Over the course of a two-year cycle, the final is played between the two teams that finished in first and second place in the World Tour Championship rankings. Through the implementation of this new structure, the conventional format of Test cricket has discovered a new audience and a new purpose.
The World Test Championship Final, which will take place at Lord’s in the near future, will serve as the finale of the 2023-2025 WTC cycle and will showcase the two teams that have been the most consistent. India and Australia are the favorites to compete against one another once more at the peak. In the first edition, they finished in second place, and in the second edition, they won.
The Current Standing of India in the Hurry to Compete in the World Test Championship Final
The Present Predicament
Following their victory in Perth, India is currently in first place in the World Tour Championship standings:
The total number of points is 110, and the percentage of points is 61.11%.
We have four matches left to play.
India’s position has been strengthened as a result of their outstanding performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which has allowed them to maintain their aspirations of reaching the World Test Championship Final for the third year in a row. India, on the other hand, cannot afford to let their guard down because they have a number of challenging matches coming up, including matchups against Australia.
In order to compete in the World Test Championship Final, you must meet the following requirements:
The following are the requirements that India must meet in order to qualify for the World Test Championship Final: 1. They must win at least three of the remaining four tests against Australia.
- Achieve a series victory of 4-0 in order to cross the crucial 65% threshold in percentage points through the victory.
- Steer clear of embarrassing setbacks that could give rivals like as Australia and Sri Lanka the opportunity to overtake them.
Considering India’s track record in both domestic and international situations, the task at hand is challenging but not insurmountable.
Rivals of Critical Importance in the Competition for the World Test Championship Final
1. The reigning champions, Australia
Despite the fact that they have a total of 90 points, 57.69% of the total points, and seven matches left to play, Australia continues to be a formidable contender for the World Test Championship Final
In order for Australia to secure their spot in the World Test Championship Final, they need to win four of their remaining matches out of a possible five. These matches include tests against India and England. Their recent defeat at the hands of India highlights the intense competitiveness that exists within this cycle.
2. Sri Lanka, also known as “The Dark Horse”
In an unexpected turn of events, Sri Lanka has emerged as a candidate for the World Test Championship Final. The team currently has sixty points, and its percentage points are 55.56 percent. There are four matches still to be played.
It is necessary for Sri Lanka to win three of their remaining games in order to qualify. On the other hand, difficulties in the foreign environment can make their prospects less likely.
In order to reach the final of the World Test Championship, New Zealand must overcome a number of challenges, including the following: – 72 points – 54.55% of the possible points – 6 matches that are still to be played
In order for the New Zealanders to maintain their chances of making it to the World Test Championship Final, they need to win all of their forthcoming series, including the one they play against England.
3. South Africa is a long shot
In order for South Africa to have any chance of making it to the World Test Championship Final, they need to win all of their remaining matches and hope that other teams have positive results
India’s Approach to Securing a Final Position in the World Test Championship
Dominance of the Home
The excellent home record that India has maintained throughout the World Test Championship has been a significant contributor to their overall victory. They continue to be difficult to beat on their home turf thanks to spin-friendly pitches and a lineup that is well-balanced.
Creating Upward Momentum Away from home
It is clear that India is becoming more adaptable as evidenced by their success in international competition, which includes historic victory in England and Australia. It will be extremely important for them to keep up this form if they want to make it to the final of the World Test Championship.
Contributions Maken on a Regular Basis by Important Players
The leadership of the captain and the ability to anchor innings are both extremely important, according to Rohit Sharma.
- “Virat Kohli” is a match-winning player who excels in games that are played under intense heat.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are spin twins who are able to dominate situations regardless of the circumstances. - Jasprit Bumrah is India’s pace spearhead, and he is essential to the delivery of breakthroughs.
The Effects of the World Test Championship Final on Multiple Aspects of History
Reviving the Test Cricket Spectator
The World Test Championship Final has brought a new level of excitement to the sport of test cricket, drawing in fans and drawing attention to the particular difficulties that are associated with the format.
Strengthening Rival Reactions
With the World Test Championship Final serving as a shared objective, long-standing rivalries such as India versus Australia are given a new level of intensity of competition.
Giving Additional Context
There is significance in each and every test match, which guarantees that bilateral series will add to a more comprehensive narrative.
India has a number of obstacles on its way to the final of the World Test Championship for cricket
Preserving a Consistent Environment
Throughout the ongoing WTC cycle, India’s most important asset continues to be consistency. While avoiding upsets against teams with lesser rankings, the team’s primary objective should be to win series with a convincing performance.
The Addressing of Concerns Regarding Fitness
Due to India’s crowded international calendar, effective management of player workloads will be essential to the success of their campaign
Reducing the Impact of Competitors
It is going to be vital to engage in strategic preparation in order to counter key players from competitors such as Australia, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand in order to guarantee victory.
These are some predictions for the final of the World Test Championship
Given India’s impressive performance thus far in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, it seems highly likely that they will be selected to compete in the World Test Championship Final. On the other hand, intense rivalry is guaranteed by the presence of Australia and Sri Lanka, both of which are on the rise. India has a good chance of recovering their berth in the World Test Championship Final if they continue to achieve the same level of success that they have been experiencing recently.
Concluding remarks
The final of the World Test Championship is the pinnacle of the Test cricket format, and it is a representation of both performance and perseverance in the most fundamental form of the game. The road that India will take to reach Lord’s in 2025 will be fraught with both difficulties and opportunity. The most recent victory they achieved against Australia has provided them with a solid platform; nonetheless, the road that lies ahead is still challenging.
Fans from all over the world will be following India as they attempt to secure their spot in the World Test Championship Final. They are hoping to make history in the most prestigious arena in the sport as they compete in this tournament. Is India going to emerge victorious, or will another side be able to meet the challenge? The stage has been prepared, and the competition for the World Test Championship Final has already begun.
