India slips in WTC Standings after series whitewash against New Zealand

The most-dreaded nightmare turned true for Team India at Wankhede as New Zealand completed a series whitewash over the hosts. The 3-0 defeat to the Kiwis marks the first time India has conceded a whitewash in home Tests after 24 long years. The unbreached records on home turf and the unbeaten reputation of the mighty team have now been thrown for a toss. Out of the five home Tests lined up for India, the team has managed to win only two, both against Bangladesh. With the side showcasing an unprecedented low in Test cricket, India is set to face the reigning WTC Champions in the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia’s home conditions. To make things even more challenging down under, the team’s qualification chances for the 2025 WTC Final, which have taken a significant blow, now hinge on the BGT.

India slips under Australia in the WTC Standings ahead of Border Gavaskar Trophy

The whitewash against New Zealand is undoubtedly a stain on India’s home Test dominance. However, the loss has dealt more blows to the team than just a scar on their reputation. India, once a favorite to qualify first for the upcoming WTC Final, has now slipped below Australia in the WTC standings. Their points took a major hit following the final defeat to New Zealand, now dropping below 60. India’s points percentage now stands at 58.33%, down from 74% just eight days earlier after the loss in Pune, which had already reduced their PCT to 62.82%. Australia now tops the WTC standings with a PCT of 62.50, while Sri Lanka, South Africa, and New Zealand remain in contention for the final.

Only five Tests remain for India in this WTC cycle, all part of the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. India’s path to a third consecutive WTC final has now become a steep climb. To secure direct qualification from here, Rohit Sharma’s side must avoid any further defeats in these remaining matches. India needs a 4-0 or 5-0 sweep against Australia in the BGT to ensure a spot in the final. Otherwise, the team must win at least two matches to keep their hopes alive, relying on favorable outcomes in other matches if they fall short. To maintain a PCT above 60% in the WTC standings, they must secure at least two wins and draw four matches.

Without securing at least two victories in Australia, India’s chances of reaching the WTC final would likely be over. Furthermore, with the team collectively experiencing a dip in form, compounded by the morale-hit from the home Test defeat, expectations of a favorable outcome down under are dampened. India, with Gautam Gambhir as head coach and skipper Rohit Sharma, needs to quickly devise a reliable strategy to keep their winning streak over Australia intact. Needless to say, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli must deliver with the bat if India is to stand a chance of taking the field at Lord’s in June 2025.