Team India's path to the World Test Championship (WTC) final continues to get more challenging and the current scenario could be insurmountable for them to conquer. After a humiliating 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand on home soil, India will head to Australia for a gruelling five-Test tour and face a stiff task in their pursuit of a final spot.
As it stands, India must beat Pat Cummins and co. by 5-0 or 4-0 Down Under to get their % points above 65 and seal spot in the final. However, South Africa or Sri Lanka can still topple them. A 4-1 victory for India in Australia would attain them 64.1% points, but still they face threats from South Africa (69.4%), Sri Lanka (69.2%) and New Zealand (64.3%) as all three are chasing final spots too and they have a potential to reach 69.4%, 69.2%, and 64.3%.
India, who have lost their top spot in the WTC standings to Australia, made it to the last two finals. Australia had defeated them last year, while the Black Caps got the better of them in 2021.
"The last two times we have been there, we won" - Rohit Sharma ahead of the Australia tour
At the post-game press conference, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma admitted that the five-Test series in Australia will be challenging and that the seniors showing juniors the way will be critical. However, the veteran said he expects players to step up, stating:
"That's going to be challenging (the tour). We do talk a lot about the game. Sitting and telling the youngsters what needs to be done. We understand Australia is going to be a different ball game. For seniors, it will be important to create an environment that they don't get intimidated. The last two times we have been there, we won. I expect all to come good in Australia. We want to keep things very simple. Pretty much focused on that."
The series against Australia begins on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
