The India National Cricket Team kept their hopes alive in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2024-25 cycle after securing a draw in the third Test against Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane. With the series now level at 1-1, the next two Tests will be crucial for India’s qualification for the WTC Final.

India’s pathway to the WTC Final

1. Winning both remaining Tests:
   • If India wins the next two Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, they will secure direct qualification for the WTC Final.
2. Winning only one Test:
   • India would then need Sri Lanka to assist by either:
     • Winning one game against Australia, or
     • Ensuring the Sri Lanka-Australia series ends in a draw.
3. If the series ends in a draw:
   • India will require Sri Lanka to win the series against Australia by either 1-0 or 2-0.
4. Avoiding consecutive defeats:
   • If India loses both remaining matches, their only hope will be for Pakistan to whitewash South Africa in their series.

Current Scenario

The draw in Brisbane has kept the series delicately poised. However, India’s qualification chances now rest heavily on their performances in the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting with the fourth match. Rohit Sharma’s team will aim to seize control and edge closer to a spot in the WTC Final.