Published By: Sanchari Das

Overcoming Rain: Can India Mirror These Test Match Victories?

With the clock ticking and rain pouring, can India outplay the weather like others before them

The first test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru has already been marred by rain. Day 1 was washed out, and Day 2 is expected to have an early start, with the toss at 8:45 am IST and play beginning at 9:15 am.

The sessions are scheduled from 9:15 to 11:30 in the morning, 12:10 to 14:25 in the afternoon, and 14:45 to 16:45 in the evening. Despite these adjustments, rain is still a threat for all five days. India, needing a 3-0 sweep for their World Test Championship (WTC) dreams, faces immense pressure. A drawn match could jeopardise their campaign and complicate their path to the final.

WTC points table tightens the pressure

India's position at the top of the WTC table with a 74.24% points percentage is precarious. A single draw could reduce this percentage significantly, putting their qualification for the 2025 final in jeopardy. Australia, sitting second with 62.50%, remains a threat, while Sri Lanka and England are lurking close behind. India needs at least four wins from their remaining six tests to comfortably qualify. Any slip-up could give their rivals a chance to leapfrog into the top spots.

Let's look at Test matches where teams secured victories despite losing at least two days to rain.

Southampton 2021

New Zealand showed how to win a test despite losing two days to rain in the 2021 WTC final against India at Southampton. After two washed-out days, India posted 217 runs, but New Zealand replied with 249, taking a crucial lead. India's second innings collapsed to 170, thanks to Tim Southee's 4/48. New Zealand chased down the target of 139 on the reserve day, with Kane Williamson's unbeaten 52 sealing their first-ever WTC title. The match highlighted how decisive play on shortened days can be.

The Oval 2022

England's 9-wicket win against South Africa in the 3rd Test at the Oval in 2022 is another example of turning a rain-affected match into victory. After two days lost to rain, Ollie Robinson and Stuart Broad dismantled South Africa's batting lineup, bowling them out for 118. Despite early struggles, England secured a 40-run lead in their first innings. They chased down a target of 130 on Day 5, with Zak Crawley's explosive 69* leading the way. This match showed England's ability to bounce back in a shortened game.

Kanpur 2024

In 2024, India overcame rain disruptions to defeat Bangladesh by seven wickets in the second test at Kanpur. After rain washed out the first two days, Bangladesh managed 233 in their first innings, with Mominul Haque scoring 107. India declared at 285/9, thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal's 72 and KL Rahul's 68. Bangladesh collapsed in their second innings, setting India a target of just 95. Jaiswal's quickfire 51* helped India chase it down with ease, despite the rain interruptions, showing their dominance even in challenging conditions.

Rain looms over the entire series

The weather forecast for Bengaluru doesn't look promising, with rain expected for all five days of the test. This puts immense pressure on India, as they can't afford a drawn match in their WTC race. Losing two days to rain could force the team to adopt an aggressive approach, much like New Zealand, England, and India did in past rain-affected victories. The game plan could shift to maximising play when the skies clear, with the bowlers needing to strike early and often to make up for lost time.

WTC scenarios: India's tough road ahead

India's WTC qualification relies not only on their performances but also on the results of other teams. If the Bengaluru test ends in a draw, India must win both of their remaining matches against New Zealand. They would also need a strong showing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, which has always been a tough challenge. With Australia and Sri Lanka also in the mix, India's path to the final could become much steeper if rain plays spoilsport in this series.