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Rohit Sharma's India Out Of WTC Final Race? What If New Zealand Win 2nd Test In Pune

Debashis Sarangi

India have been miserable in NZ Tests [Source: PTI]India have been miserable in NZ Tests [Source: PTI]

After whitewashing Bangladesh by two-nil, India had a disastrous start to the home series against New Zealand, losing the opening encounter by eight wickets in Bengaluru. Led by Rohit Sharma, the hosts followed it up with another disappointing performance in the subsequent affair in Pune, being bowled out for 156 runs in their first innings. 

The Indian batters' horrible performance on a decent batting deck earned them massive backlash. Meanwhile, New Zealand sustained their dream run on the India tour, putting up another impressive show in their second innings. As things stand, the visitors have already taken a substantial 300-run lead, setting the tone for their second consecutive victory in the series. 

So, as India stare at another home Test defeat, let's see if the second Test's outcome will affect their World Test Championship final chances. 

India's WTC Position Explained Following A Potential Defeat In Pune

Currently, India claim the top spot in the WTC points table with an impressive PCT of 68.06. They have won eight of twelve matches, asserting their dominance in the purest format of the game. 

However, if India end up losing the ongoing Pune Test, their PCT will drastically fall to 62.82 (if they don't get penalised for a slow over rate offence). But as second-placed Australia have a PCT of 62.50, Rohit Sharma and co will still sit at the top of the pile. 

So, although India's dream of playing their third successive WTC final will be alive, they will pretty much hope for several results to help their cause. Besides the mighty Aussies, Sri Lanka and South Africa are India's two biggest competitors. 

More importantly, these two teams have a series coming up, so India should buckle up and play their heart out in their remaining six matches to stay ahead of these two teams in the standings in the WTC final race. 

If India win their remaining six games and don't get penalised for an over rate offence, their PCT will read a reasonably good 74.56 at the end of this cycle. However, such an ideal scenario is highly unlikely, given that they will face Australia in five Tests Down Under. 

So, to qualify for the final, India must minimise the damage in Australia and stay ahead of their competitors, especially Sri Lanka and South Africa to book a ticket for the much-awaited final at Lord's.