India's WTC qualification hopes face a major test: 7 wins could hold the key
India currently sit at 48.15 per cent after nine matches, with four wins, four defeats and one draw. With three series still to play, against Sri Lanka and New Zealand away and Australia at home, the team will need a major turnaround to move into…
That would require six wins and two draws, giving them 80 points, or seven outright victories, which would take them to 84 points. The margin for error becomes even smaller if India are targeting the kind of percentage that has generally been required to.
India's difficult position is partly the result of their recent home struggles. They suffered a 3-0 series defeat against New Zealand before being beaten 2-0 by South Africa at home.
What Happened
The South Africa series was particularly damaging to their WTC campaign and means India now have to make the most of their remaining opportunities. Five of India's nine remaining Tests will come against Australia, a side against whom India have traditionally enjoyed.
India currently sit at 48.15 per cent after nine matches, with four wins, four defeats and one draw.
With three series still to play, against Sri Lanka and New Zealand away and Australia at home, the team will need a major turnaround to move into serious contention for the WTC final at.
To reach 60 per cent, India need 78 points from their remaining nine Tests.
Key Details
However, their recent home results mean past dominance alone cannot guarantee another successful campaign. They have 14 Tests remaining, including a five-Test series in India.
In the previous WTC cycle, South Africa finished on 69.44 per cent and Australia on 67.54 per cent.
India would reach 62.96 per cent with seven wins and two defeats, while an eight-win, one-loss campaign would lift them to 68.52 per cent, assuming there are no further penalty points.
India have won 12 of their last 14 home Tests against Australia, dating back to 2008.
Why It Matters
They have already recorded major away successes in Pakistan and India, including a 2-0 victory over India. New Zealand are also firmly in contention at 72.22 per cent after six Tests.
Australia currently lead the standings with 87.50 per cent from eight Tests, having won seven and lost one.
They need 75 more points to reach 60 per cent, a target that can be achieved with six wins and a draw.
What Reports Say
Coverage of the story so far points to:
South Africa are second on 75 per cent after four Tests.
They need 65 more points to reach 60 per cent and can get there with five wins and two draws from their remaining 10 Tests.
Continued reporting by Mathrubhumi English as more details emerge
