WTC 2023-2025: Schedule breakdown, critical matches ahead for India

Rohit Sharmaled Team India had a disappointing Test series against New Zealand which made it tough for them to qualify for the World Test Championship WTC 20232025 finalAs a result of the loss India lost their top spot in the World Test Championship standings and dropped to second place with their point percentage dropping to 5833 percent As the BorderGavaskar series approaches Australia now holds the top spot with a point percentage of 6250 percentNew Zealand meanwhile regained the fourth spot they lost to South Africa after the Proteas whitewashed Bangladesh earlier this week Their point percentage is 5455 percentThe team management will be looking forward to rectifying the mistakes India have made in the series against the Kiwis One of the main concerns for the upper brass of the team will be to look into how the Indian batters have performed against the spinnersAs of now India must need to win four matches against Australia in the BorderGavaskar Trophy to make their place in the final of the WTC The BGT series will be a fivematch series and India can afford to lose only one game in itThe most awaited BorderGavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22 with the first Test at PerthOver the years India has regained an upper hand over Australia in the series India has won its previous four series against Australia in a row including two wins in Australia in the 201819 and 202021 seasonsThis has made India a much more successful side in the series with India winning the BGT 10 times and Australia winning it five times with their last series win coming in during the 201415 season Their last series win in India was in 200405Also ReadAre turning pitches Indias Achilles heelCurrent WTC 202325 points table at a glanceWorld Test Championship 20232025 Points TablePosTeamMatchesWonLostDrawnNRPointsPCT1Australia128310906252India1485109858333Sri Lanka954006055564New Zealand1165007254555South Africa843105254176England1999109340797Pakistan1046004033338Bangladesh103700332759West Indies91620201852Updated after India vs New Zealand 3rd Test match Concluded on November 3 2024The road ahead for IndiaIndia face a daunting task against Australia needing to secure at least four wins out of five matches to clinch a spot in the WTC final As each match will unfold the stakes will escalate and the margin for error will diminish The BorderGavaskar Trophy has evolved into more than just a contest it represents a critical lifeline and a lastditch effort to reclaim Indiarsquos standing and advance toward the ultimate prizeRemaining Test series 5 Tests vs Australia AwayIf India secure a 40 or 50 win in the series the side will achieve a percentage point exceeding 6537 In this scenario only Sri Lanka and South Africa would have the potential to surpass 65 percentage points PCTWhat happens India win the series 41In this case Indiarsquos PCT would drop to 641 percent However South Africa 69437 Sri Lanka 69237 and New Zealand 64337 could all surpass Indiarsquos PCT if they win all their remaining matches in the 202325 World Test ChampionshipAlso ReadA bitter pill to swallowWhat if India lose the series 23If India were to lose the series to Australia by a scoreline of 23 Australia would finish above India in the WTC points table even if they subsequently lose a twomatch Test series in Sri Lanka In this scenario at least one of South Africa Sri Lanka or New Zealand would likely rank higher than India in the WTC 202325 leaderboardUpcoming schedule for India in TestsIndias upcoming Test schedule Border Gavaskar Trophy 202425Date and DayAgainst and matchVenueTimeNov 22 Fri Nov 26 TueAustralia vs India 1st TestPerthMatch starts on Nov 22 750 AM IST1020 AM LOCALDec 06 Fri Dec 10 TueAustralia vs India 2nd TestAdelaide Oval AdelaideMatch starts on Dec 06 930 AM IST0230 PM LOCALDec 14 Sat Dec 18 WedAustralia vs India 3rd TestThe Gabba BrisbaneMatch starts on Dec 14 550 AM IST1020 AM LOCALDec 26 Thu Dec 30 MonAustralia vs India 4th TestMelbourne Cricket Ground MelbourneMatch starts on Dec 26 500 AM IST1030 AM LOCALJan 03 Fri Jan 07 TueAustralia vs India 5th TestSydney Cricket Ground SydneyMatch starts on Jan 03 500 AM IST1030 AM LOCAL