India's WTC final qualification chances take a massive hit after MCG loss, here's how they can still make it to Lord's

India's WTC final qualification chances take a massive hit after MCG loss, here's how they can still make it to Lord's
Rohit Sharma of India looks dejected after being dismissed by Pat Cummins of Australia during day five of the Men's Fourth Test Match in the series between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 30.

Story Highlights:

India lost the MCG Test to Australia in a comprehensive manner.

Barring Yashasvi Jaiswal, no Indian batter could not put up a fight in the run chase.

India's chances to reach WTC final depend on Sri Lanka.

Rohit Sharma-led India's road to the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 faced another roadblock as they suffered an 184-run loss in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 30. Australia took a 2-1 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 ahead of the fifth and final Test of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). 

Earlier on December 29, South Africa became the first team to qualify for the WTC 2025 final. South Africa beat Pakistan by two wickets in a thrilling encounter to book their maiden WTC final spot. 

Here is a look at the updated WTC points table

Rank Teams Matches Wins Losses Draw Points PCT
1. South Africa 11 7 3 1 88 66.67
2. Australia 16 10 4 2 118 61.46
3. India 18 9 7 2 114 52.78
4. New Zealand 14 7 7 0 81 48.21
5. Sri Lanka  11 5 6 0 60 45.45
6. England 22 11 10 1 114 43.18
7. Bangladesh 12 4 8 0 45 31.25
8. Pakistan 11 4 7 0 40 30.30
9. West Indies 11 2 7 2 32 24.24

How India can qualify for WTC 2023-25 final?

The loss at the MCG has made the SCG Test a must-win encounter for India. Then, they will hope that Australia don't win a Test on their tour of Sri Lanka. India want Sri Lanka win it 1-0, 2-0. Even if both Tests end in a draw, Australia will go through to the final. The best win percentage India can achieve is 55.26 with a win at SCG. 

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Jaiswal stands tall but India suffer collapse 

Yashasvi Jaiswal stood tall as wickets fell around him. He trusted in his defense as India were 33 for 3 at the stroke of lunch. Skipper Rohit, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli departed without making much impact in the run chase. He and Rishabh Pant shared a 96-run partnership for the fourth wicket which was eventually broken by Travis Head.

ALSO READ: 'I believe in myself. That's why I am here': Yashasvi Jaiswal's scathing retort after Mitchell Starc tries bail-flip trick to get breakthrough; watch video

Ravindra Jadeja and first innings centurion Nitish Kumar Reddy could not make an impact. Jaiswal was the seventh to fall. He was given out by the third umpire despite no spike on the snicko. He scored 84 runs from 208 balls including eight fours. He is the first Indian opener since 2014 to score half-century in both innings of a Test in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) countries. In the end Washington Sundar ran out of partners as India were bowled out for 155 in the run chase of 340.