Explained: What will happen to India's WTC chances if they lose Pune Test?

India have been constant attendees in the finals of the World Test Championship. The championship has seen two finals, where India faced New Zealand in the inaugural contest and Australia in the subsequent cycle, and they lost on both the occasions. Before the New Zealand series, India beat Bangladesh by 2-0 and after losing the first Test against the Kiwis, their chances of making it to the WTC finals were shaken. 

The ongoing second Test in Pune is turning out to be a nightmare for the Indian team. Though they managed to contain the visitors to 259, they could not replicate the same while batting. Mitchell Santner wreaked havoc and picked seven wickets as India were bundled up for just 156 runs. With these developments, questions concerning India’s WTC prospects is rising given they potentially lose the Pune Test.

India have played 12 matches and have won eight of them, with three losses and a draw. They are perched atop the points table with 68.060 PCT and 98 points. They are followed by Australia who have the same number as India’s but PCT of 62.50 and 90 Points.

On the other hand, South Africa, who occupy fourth spot with three wins and as many losses in seven games, are on 40 points and 47.620 PCT. They are in Bangladesh for the Test series and will host Sri Lanka and Pakistan at home. If they surpass these Asian teams at home and manage to win the series in Bangladesh, their chances of making it to the first WTC final will be bright.

India could still very well make it to their third straight WTC final, if they manage to win at least three out of the remaining six games in the current cycle.

Therefore, only a layman could rule out India’s chances of making it to the WTC final, looking at their previous record in Australia over six years. The team will travel to Australia for the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy soon after the third Test against New Zealand at home.

Also Read: Santner’s seven-fer questions India’s preparation for home conditions