India's path to playing the WTC final (Photo: PTI)

ICC WTC Points Table: After the end of the Ashes series, no major changes were seen in the World Test Championship. But the expectations of some teams which were already intact have gained a little more life after the defeat of England. By defeating England 4-1 in the Ashes series, Australia further strengthened its intention to play the WTC final in 2027. England's hopes have been equally dashed by the defeat. After the result of Ashes, Team India also remains in the race to play the WTC final.

Latest status of WTC points table

First of all, know the status of the latest WTC points table. In the new points table released by ICC, Australia has scored 84 points by winning 7 in 8 tests and its point percentage i.e. PCT is 87.50%. After Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are next. New Zealand's points percentage is 77.78%. Whereas South Africa has 75%. India's position is sixth in the latest points table. After losing the Ashes, England is at 7th position as before. Team India's point percentage is 48.15. Whereas England's point percentage is 31.67.

Even though Team India is at sixth position in ICC's latest WTC points table, the game of reaching the final is not over yet. The doors of playing the WTC final are still open for Team India. Now how can India reach the final? Let us know the answer to this question.

How can India reach the final?

The WTC final is to be played in 2027, in which the top 2 teams in the points table will be seen playing. Top-2 will be decided on the basis of point percentage of the teams. The good thing is that India still has 9 matches left to reach there. In the year 2026, Team India has to play 2 Tests in Sri Lanka, 2 Tests in New Zealand and after that 5 Tests at home against Australia.

If India has to reach the final of WTC, then first it will have to try to win all the remaining 9 tests. If we are not able to win all the 9 tests then we will definitely have to try to win at least 7 or 8 tests. By doing this, the current point percentage of the Indian team, which is still quite low, may see an increase.

If India wins all 9 matches, its total points will be 160, and PCT i.e. point percentage will reach 74.07. By doing this he can easily confirm his place in the top-2. However, during this time he will also have to depend on the results of the matches of other teams.

If Team India wins at least 7-8 tests, then in that case its point percentage can reach maximum close to 65. Even in this situation, he will be expected to play the WTC final. In these, India will have to avoid draws against Sri Lanka and New Zealand and defeat Australia 4-1 or 5-0 in the home series.

Will have to keep an eye on other teams too

Australia also has many matches left, but if they lose against India, their PCT may fall. New Zealand and South Africa have less matches, so if they lose, there may be fluctuations in their PCT, which may benefit India.

It is clear that India will have to take advantage of its domestic strength and get at least 2-3 away wins. If there is a draw or defeat between other top teams, then India's chances of playing the WTC final will increase.