How can India still qualify for WTC 2025 finals after embarrassing loss at MCG?

South Africa became the first side to reach the World Test Championship (WTC) finals. Temba Bavuma and his side beat Pakistan by 2 wickets at the Centurion in a pulsating encounter. This means that three teams (India, Australia, and Sri Lanka) are in fray to join the Proteas for the massive game at Lords in June. 

Rohit Sharma’s men have their task cut out to make it to the finals. The first they must ensure is that they don’t lose the MCG Test match at all costs. India must draw the game and head to Sydney with the series locked at 1-1. With Australia having achieved a huge lead, the chance of win for India has now massively thinned 

If the MCG Test does end in a draw, then India has to win the SCG Test starting on 3rd January. The New Year’s Test then assumes massive significance with the game becoming a must win encounter. There will be massive trouble if India doesn’t end up winning the game as their chances of making the WTC finals takes a massive hit. 

Three horse race to make WTC finals

In the case of an Australian win in MCG and SCG then team India will be knocked out of the WTC finals race. The defending champions will be firm favorites to go to Lords for the massive game to take on South Africa. It is to be noted that Australia still has one more series to play in Sri Lanka that takes place in February. 

The scenario changes in the case of India winning the SCG Test match, then they must hope that Sri Lanka defeat Australia. Even a series draw can help India’s chances of qualifying their spot in the WTC finals. In case Australia wins both their games in Sri Lanka despite losing the series to India then they will play the finals.

If the game in MCG ends with a defeat for India then they must win the SCG game and end the series 2-2. In this case, Sri Lanka must win the series against Australia with 2-0 or 1-0 margin for India to qualify for WTC finals. Team India can qualify for the WTC finals even if the Australia vs Sri Lanka series ends in 0-0 draw.