Here's How India Can Confirm WTC Final Qualification Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

After registering a clinical 2-0 win against Bangladesh, Team India hoped to continue their dominance in the three-match Test series against New Zealand. This home assignment is crucial for Rohit Sharma and his men to secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. They now lead the standings and another whitewash could confirm their entry into the summit clash for the third consecutive time. It, however, may be challenging for India to overcome New Zealand.

The Kiwis are currently reeling in sixth position on the WTC table. New Zealand recently toured Sri Lanka, where they endured a 2-0 defeat in a two-match Test series.

Following the loss, Tim Southee stepped down as Test captain, and Tom Latham took over the charge in a full-time role. New Zealand are missing the services of Kane Williamson in the series against India. The former captain remains out of action due to a groin strain. New Zealand, however, will be eager to secure their first Test victory in India since November 1988.

Overall, New Zealand have managed to win two of 36 red-ball matches on Indian soil. The hosts, on the other hand, have impressive records in home Tests. Since 2013, India have lost just four Tests in their backyard while winning as many as 42 times.

The Rohit Sharma-led side will now aim to better the record in the ongoing series. These three Tests also serve as preparation for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India will be aiming to secure qualification in the WTC final before jetting off to Australia in November.

Before the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, India head coach Gautam Gambhir said, as per Reuters, “The World Test Championship is in June 2025 and the Test matches in Australia begin on 22 November. Right now, only New Zealand is on our minds and nothing else. When you play international cricket, you don’t think about how to prepare for the five Test matches in the Australia series or how to prepare for the World Test Championship final.”

India did not have a fruitful start to the ongoing Test series. The hosts faced a batting collapse in the first innings of the Bengaluru Test and were bundled out for 46 runs. Except for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, no Indian batter was able to breach the double-digit mark.