Published By: Sayan Guha

BGT 2024/25: Can India Still Make the WTC Final? The Stakes Ahead of the Adelaide Test!

Stakes, scenarios, and a race against time!

After a humiliating 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand, India's World Test Championship (WTC) Final dreams appeared to have vanished with the tide. Cricket, as always, found a way to twist the script. A clinical victory in the Perth Test has sparked hopes, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has become the ideal arena for India's stunning comeback.

The issue is whether they can cross the finish line in style. As the Adelaide pink-ball Test approaches, the possibilities and combinations get increasingly complex. The stakes have never been higher, and the fight for the Oval is heating up.

Spicing up the WTC race

When India overcame Australia in Perth, they did more than simply win a Test match; they threw the WTC race wide open. Currently sitting at the top of the table, India has a fighting chance of reaching the final for the third time in a row. However, this is not a stroll in the park.

India requires nothing short of domination to earn a ticket outright. A series win of 5-0, 4-0, or even 3-0 would guarantee qualification. If they make a mistake, a tangled web of outcomes from Sri Lanka and South Africa will determine their fate.

What lies ahead

A clean sweep will seal the deal

If India defeats Australia 5-0, 4-0, or 3-0, there will be no space for discussion. Their qualifying will be direct, with the other teams picking up the scraps. This conclusion, however, demands extreme constancy.

A close win could get tricky

A 3-1 series win also ensures a berth if South Africa does not clean up Sri Lanka in the second Test. It's like playing chess on two boards: every move abroad influences India's approach here.

Margins matter: 3-2 win or 2-2 draw

If India wins the series 3-2, Sri Lanka will decide its fate. The Islanders would need to win at least one Test against South Africa while avoiding losing their own series against Australia. A 2-2 draw complicates matters further, requiring intricate results involving Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Adelaide: A Test of character and composure

With so much at stake, the Adelaide Test is more than simply numbers; it's about nerve. Australia will look to tighten its hold on the WTC table, while India will strive for maximum points. Every session matters, and every wicket counts.

This Test serves as an adaptation test for the Indian squad. While Shubman Gill's comeback from injury has improved the batting lineup, skipper Rohit Sharma's erratic form has been a concern. Meanwhile, the Jaiswal-Rahul combination at the top has been a bright spot in this campaign, and the bowlers showed their ability to take control when the chips are down.

The bigger picture

This is not simply about India's race. South Africa and Sri Lanka also hold essential cards. Sri Lanka, in particular, finds itself in the terrible situation of having to defeat South Africa and Australia to aid India. But can they stand their ground?

The unpredictable nature of Test cricket adds to the drama. With Australia comfortably in the lead and India struggling to catch up, the WTC cycle has lived up to its reputation as the ultimate Test of endurance, strategy, and execution.

The race is underway. Can India rise to the occasion and create another fairytale?