As the cricketing world turns its eyes to the ongoing final matches Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023-25Qualifying Indian cricket team 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) On a knife edge in Lord’s remains. Note that India were already facing heat after a disappointing home series loss against New Zealandwhere they were whitewashed in a 3-Test match series. Furthermore, they have not outdone Australia in the BGT as after three Tests and the fourth still underway, the score reads 1-1.
In addition, South AfricaWTC was at the top of the ranking after shining against Sri Lankaafter an exciting victory over them, they qualified for the final of the championship Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test at Centurion. This makes the fight for the WTC final even more difficult for both India and Australia. On that note, let’s consider the scenarios that could see India into the fray.
The Melbourne result will be crucial
If the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ends in a draw, India’s road to the WTC final will not be easy. This result means that the stakes will be high for the upcoming New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and it will be a do-or-die encounter for Rohit Sharma’s unit.
Will Sydney be a must-win game?
The SCG Test becomes a must-win for India in a scenario where the MCG Test is deadlocked. A win in Sydney will keep India’s hopes alive, but it will still not be enough to secure their place in the finals; external consequences will emerge.
Role of Sri Lanka
They will need help from Sri Lanka if India are to qualify without winning the series against Australia. If the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series ends 1-1, India will need Sri Lanka to beat Australia in at least one of the upcoming two-match series. However, historical data shows that results in Galle, where these matches are scheduled, usually do not end in draws, making a 1-0 series win for Sri Lanka a difficult but not impossible scenario.
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Final scenario
If India can get a win in Sydney after the draw in Melbourne and Australia fail to sweep Sri Lanka, India can still reach the final at Lord’s. Australia’s series against Sri Lanka is crucial; If Australia win both matches, India’s qualification bid will collapse. However, any other result – be it a win, draw or loss for Australia in this series – could potentially open the door, assuming India get the requisite points from their series.
South Africa qualified for the WTC finals
Adding to the intrigue, South Africa have already confirmed their place in the WTC final, making them the first team to secure a place at the prestigious event at Lord’s. Their consistent performance throughout has ensured they are among the title contenders, setting up an exciting clash with what has emerged as their ultimate challenger.
 2023-25 final at Lord's remains on a knife-edge. South Africa have already confirmed their spot in the WTC final after beating Pakistan in the first Test.){kind=link}