The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is a prestigious tournament that brings together the Test-playing nations to compete in the longest format of the game. The agony of Team India, who lost both WTC finals, first in June 2021 and later in June 2023, still lingers for Indian cricket fans. Despite finishing top of the points table in the previous WTC cycle, India had faltered in the finals against New Zealand in 2021 and Australia in 2023, both at Lords. However, the team has already embarked on its redemption journey in the 2023-25 cycle, aiming to finally lift the sought-after trophy.
Let’s delve into India’s current position, analyze its past performances, and understand why this WTC holds immense significance.
Current Position and Points Table
Currently, India ranks third in the WTC standings. Following their impressive 106-run win against England in Vizag, they closed the gap on leaders New Zealand and Australia. Australia took the lead from India after sweeping Pakistan 3-0 but fell to second place when New Zealand defeated South Africa by 281 runs on February 8th. India had briefly climbed to second place after their victory over England on February 5th before slipping to third following New Zealand’s triumph.
India’s Performance So Far
India has won three, lost two, and drawn one of six Test matches played in the ongoing cycle. India’s wins are against West Indies and South Africa. The Indian side suffered their only one, yet disappointing loss in Hyderabad against England but bounced back with a clinical 106-run win in Vizag, announcing they are not done yet.
Rohit Sharma is currently leading the team with typical talent. Shubman Gill scored a century in the Vizag Test while the Pacer Jasprit Bumrah became the 1st Indian pacer to top all three formats, claiming the no. 1 spot on the ICC Men’s Test Bowler rankings. And opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed his first-ever test double-century against England, in Visakhapatnam. All in all, India’s performance is just on track to reach the finals, with a bit of slips here and there. India is now all set to play the 3rd Test against England at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from February 15.
India’s Upcoming Fixtures
India’s schedule for the WTC 2023-25 cycle includes a mix of home and away series against formidable opponents:
England’s Visit to India (January/February 2024)
An ongoing five-Test series against England on home soil. The historic rivalry between these two teams continues to add excitement to the matches, currently tied at 1-1. They meet up next on February 15th.
1. Bangladesh Tour of India (September/October 2024)
2.India will host Bangladesh for a two-Test series.
3.New Zealand’s Tour of India (October/November 2024)
4.New Zealand, a formidable side, will play a three-Test series against India.
5.Border-Gavaskar Trophy (November 2024 – January 2025)
India will lock horns with Australia in a five-Test battle. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy holds immense significance, and India will aim to reclaim it on Australian soil.
Why Winning the WTC Matters for India
Winning the WTC holds immense significance for India for several reasons. Firstly, it would break the trophy drought, marking India’s first major ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy, which would silence critics and boost morale. Secondly, it would establish India as a dominant force in Test cricket globally. Lastly, winning the trophy would instill confidence in the team and dispel any doubts about their ability to perform under pressure in big matches.
The WTC 2023-25 presents a crucial opportunity for India to achieve this milestone, and their performance in the upcoming series will be closely observed. The WTC 2023-25 is a crucial battleground for India. India’s quest for WTC glory in 2023-25 is both a challenge and an opportunity.
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