Border Gavaskar Trophy: WTC final 2025 dream still looking alive for India?

India entered their tour of Australia under immense pressure following a 0-3 series defeat at home against New Zealand. The loss not only dented their morale but also complicated their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. However, a comprehensive victory over Australia in the first Test in Perth has provided a much-needed confidence boost to the Rohit Sharma-led side. Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh shared his thoughts on the situation, emphasizing that a win in the second Test at Adelaide could significantly enhance India’s chances of reaching the WTC final. Harbhajan noted that while a 4-0 series win is essential for India to secure a guaranteed spot in the final, the team should not let this target overshadow their focus on the ongoing series. 

The upcoming Test in Adelaide, scheduled as a pink-ball match, presents another opportunity for the visitors to dominate and move closer to their WTC final dream. With their confidence soaring after the Perth win, India will aim to build momentum and deliver a strong performance, keeping their eyes firmly on the series while letting the WTC qualification scenarios fall into place naturally.

“If they win another game, I think India will definitely go into the WTC (final) but it’s not important to reach there, it’s important to win we will reach there,” former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh during a recent interview. 

“It was (the) most important win for India because Perth has always been a very happy hunting ground for Australia. To beat them in their backyard is always very difficult, but this is a ground where the happiness of winning doubles because here they (Australia) consider themselves (to be) very strong at this venue. So, well done to team India. I hope this will continue and India (would) go on to win this series 4-1,” he added.

In the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah stepped up to lead the Indian side in the first Test against Australia. The 30-year-old pacer delivered an exceptional performance, both as a leader and a player, guiding the team to a commanding 295-run victory. Bumrah's ability to lead from the front was instrumental in India’s success, showcasing his tactical acumen and calm demeanor under pressure.

Reflecting on Bumrah’s leadership, former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed his admiration for the pacer, revealing he has been a staunch supporter of Bumrah since the early days of his career with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. Harbhajan highlighted Bumrah’s evolution as a cricketer, praising his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

“Bumrah is an amazing player, and of course, he has got a great mindset. I have been a huge supporter of Bumrah from day one and he has got that very calm kind of personality. He knows his game and he is one of those guys who is a very likeable person in the dressing room. He commands a lot of respect in the dressing room so when such a person leads you from the front, the team obviously follows,” Harbhajan concluded.