Dear Lykkers, as the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 cycle progresses, Team India remains in contention for a spot in the final. The competition is fierce, with top teams like Australia, South Africa, and England also vying for a place in the final match.

Here's a breakdown of how India can secure a place in the WTC Final, along with their key challenges and strategies.

Understanding the Points System

The WTC works on a points-based system, where teams accumulate points based on the results of their Test matches. A win fetches 12 points, a tie gives 6 points, a draw offers 4 points, and a loss yields 0. Additionally, each team's points are calculated as a percentage of the total points they could have earned, which ensures fairness despite the difference in the number of matches each team plays. India's path to the WTC final depends on securing maximum points in their remaining matches.

Key Series Remaining

India's remaining WTC fixtures will be crucial in determining their chances of making it to the final. As of 2024, India has several important Test series lined up, including:

1. A home series against England

2. Away series against South Africa

3. Potential series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand

Winning these series, particularly on home turf, will be vital for India's hopes of qualification. They will need to aim for consistent victories, especially in series with a high number of matches like the five-match series against England.

Maximizing Home Advantage

India's strength at home is undeniable, with their spinning tracks and experienced Test bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja giving them an upper hand. India's success in past WTC cycles has largely been due to its dominance in home conditions. Securing clean sweeps in the home series will be critical for increasing the percentage of points earned.

Handling Away Challenges

One of India's toughest challenges will be the away series, particularly against South Africa. Playing in unfamiliar conditions with lively pitches and fast bowlers will test the Indian team's adaptability. To ensure a spot in the WTC final, India must win at least one or two away series, or avoid heavy defeats to maintain their points percentage.

Key Players to Watch

India's qualification hopes rest on the shoulders of key players like Virat Kohli, who has been in tremendous form, and captain Rohit Sharma, whose leadership will be pivotal. Youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, alongside experienced bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, will be crucial to India's success.

Monitoring Competitors

Apart from focusing on their own games, India also needs to monitor the performances of other top teams like Australia and South Africa. Any slip-ups by these teams could open up opportunities for India to surge ahead in the points table.

Maintaining Fitness and Squad Depth

Injuries have been a concern for India in recent years, with key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja missing crucial series. Ensuring the fitness of their core players and maintaining squad depth with backups like Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, and Axar Patel will be critical to India's long-term success in the WTC cycle.

For Team India to qualify for the World Test Championship final, they will need to deliver consistent performances, particularly in their remaining home and away series. With a solid blend of experience and emerging talent, India has the potential to reach the final, but their journey will require both skill and strategy. By maximizing its home advantage, navigating away challenges, and keeping an eye on its competitors, India can position itself for another shot at the WTC title.