The Indian team has certainly topped the points table with its first win in Australia, but it will have to create history to reach the final of the ICC World Test Championship. It will not only have to win all the remaining matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, but a defeat can spoil the game.
Captain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul.
New Delhi: The title match of the ICC World Test Championship may be held in 2025, but in terms of matches, only 4 steps are left. India does not have any scope for mistake. Losing one match can put it out of the race for the final. If we look at the scenario, apart from India, Australia, Sri Lanka, South Africa and New Zealand have a chance to reach the title match of the ICC World Test Championship. Let's see which team has how much chance and which team is the biggest threat to Team India...
India: Has to play 4 matches against Australia
The Indian team has to play 4 matches against Australia under the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Its current points are 61.11, while if it wins all the remaining 4 matches, it will be able to reach a maximum of 69.30. This means that if India wins all the matches, then it will almost be sure to reach the title match of the ICC World Test Championship. All these matches are difficult for India, because all are to be held in Australia.
Australia: 4 matches against India, 2 against Sri Lanka
Australia has to play 6 matches. 4 matches against India at home and two matches against Sri Lanka. If they win all the matches, then their score will reach 71.05, which will be the highest and they will reach the final for the second consecutive time. They currently have 57.69 points. However, the way India has dominated them in the Perth Test, the series ahead will be difficult for them.
Sri Lanka: 2 matches against South Africa, 2 matches against Australia
The Sri Lankan team has 55.56 points and has to play 4 matches. It will play two matches in South Africa, while it will play 2 matches against Australia at home. If it wins all the matches, then its score will be 69.23 i.e. if India wins all its matches and Sri Lanka also wins, then the team led by Rohit Sharma will go ahead of Sri Lanka. However, it will be a bit difficult for Sri Lanka to win in South Africa.
New Zealand: 3 matches
New Zealand has to play 3 matches against England. They have to play all the matches against England at home. They have home advantage, but it will not be easy for them to beat England. Currently they have 54.55 points, while the maximum they have been able to reach is 64.29. That means they can remain out of the final even after winning all the matches.
South Africa: 2 matches against Sri Lanka, 2 matches against Pakistan
If we look at the scenario, the biggest threat to the Indian team is from South Africa. South Africa has to play two matches against Sri Lanka and two matches against Pakistan at home. If it wins all the 4 matches, it will have 69.44 points, which is more than India's 69.30 after winning all the matches. If this happens, it will be a bit difficult for India, but on the other hand, India's victory means that Australia's points will be less. In such a situation, it is possible that Australia may also be out of the title match of the ICC World Test Championship.
