EXPLAINED: What do India need to do to make it to WTC 2025-2027 final

India's crucial win over Sri Lanka in the first Test has reignited hope for their World Test Championship (WTC) final dreams.

Despite the convincing 165 run victory, India's position on the WTC points table remains fifth, unchanged after the match. Australia leads with 77.78 points, followed by South Africa, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. India's 53.33 points reflect wins against England, West Indies, and Sri Lanka, but the challenge is far from over.

India now faces a critical stretch where winning seven out of the next eight Tests is vital to staying in contention. These matches include one Test against Sri Lanka, two against New Zealand in Wellington and Christchurch, and five crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy encounters against Australia at home from January to March.