After a shocking 28-run loss to England in the IND vs ENG 1st Test held in Hyderabad, India finds itself in a critical position in the WTC 2023-2025 Rankings Table. The unexpected defeat has pushed India to the fifth spot at the WTC 2023-2024 table behind Bangladesh. In this write-up, we will look at what India needs to do to qualify for the WTC 2023-2025 final.
India’s Current WTC 2023-2025 Standings
After ending two-match Test series against South Africa, India led the Points table until Australia overtook them after a victorious fixture against Pakistan. But after facing a loss in the Hyderabad Test against England, India has dropped to the fifth spot on the Points Table with a net percentage of 43.33.
The Impact of IND vs ENG 1st Test Loss
In the first Test match against England, India’s batting line-up failed to chase the target of 231 runs & could reach just 22 runs. England’s Tom Hartley played a pivotal role, claiming 7/62 and restricting India from scoring big. This unexpected loss has significantly affected India’s cumulative percentage points in the WTC rankings.
What India needs to do to qualify for the WTC 2025 final
To secure a spot in the WTC 2023-2025 final, India must focus on clinching the Test series against England. The points bifurcation in the ongoing WTC cycle awards 12 points for a win, 4 for a draw, & 6 for a tie to teams competing. With five Tests played, India has won two, lost two, and drawn one. They need convincing victories in the upcoming matches to climb up the rankings.
England’s age-long dominance on Indian Soil
The recent loss to England in the first Test has raised concerns about India’s performance in the crucial five-match Test series. Ollie Pope’s stellar batting and debutant spinner Tom Hartley’s impressive bowling displayed India’s lack of preparedness for facing England. This is not the first time that the Indian team has flattered in front of three Lions often there have been instances when England has defeated India on their home ground.
India’s Struggle Against Visiting Teams
Look at the stats it will showcase India’s struggle against touring teams, especially against England & Australia. India’s loss to England in the first Test depicts their vulnerability to three lions. However, they have tried their best but couldn’t tackle England’s lethal bowling attack & fearless batting approach.
In the upcoming Tests of the five-match Test series against England, India needs to give new talents a chance to showcase their capability & guide them to a series leveling win. Notably, their senior player Virat Kohli has taken an emergency break from the initial Tests due to a personal emergency.
Also read, Debate: Sarfaraz Khan or Shubman for IND vs ENG 2nd Test?
