Picture Credit: X
After a 2-0 series sweep over Bangladesh last month, Team India will eye to dominate the longest format and secure a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, scheduled to take place in June next year. After making a return to the longest format of cricket with a two-match Test series, the Men in Blue are taking on New Zealand in a three-match Test series at home.
On Sunday, October 20, India suffered their first defeat against New Zealand since 1988. While it was their first defeat in 36 years, the Men in Blue had a forgettable outing in the first innings as they were bundled out for a score of 46, their lowest-ever in Tests at home. Despite a strong comeback in the second innings, the Indian lineup failed to restrict the Kiwis, thus losing by eight wickets.
What do Rohit Sharma and Co. need to do to qualify for WTC 2023-25 final?
The forthcoming Tests season is of crucial importance for India in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle as they will participate in seven more Test matches. India are currently ranked number one on the WTC 2023-25 standings with eight wins, three losses and one draw and a win percentage of 68.06.
Meanwhile, India qualified for the WTC 2023 final with 58.8 percentage and to keep their percentage above 60 this time, they need at least three wins along with a draw in one of their matches. If the two-time WTC finalists manage to win five matches, it would boost their winning percentage to comparatively above 60.
