India's qualification scenarios for WTC final explained

Rahul and Shakib posing with the series trophy [Source: Associated Press]

As the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle nears its end, four teams - Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and India - are pushing for their contendership to feature in the tournament's magnum opus.

With Pakistan being at the receiving end of the 2-0 humbling on their home turf against England, the BazBall outfit has not only disallowed them to continue fighting for the ultimate prize but has also made the road ahead a tad easier for India.

India, having 52.08 percentage points and 75 points after 12 matches, are placed below Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka in the standings.

With their next two Test series lined up versus Bangladesh and Australia, they must ensure of winning at least five of the remaining six games to make the final of the event.

As India will be hosted by Bangladesh for two Test fixtures, they cannot afford to lose both the clashes with the scoreline of 1-1 and 2-0 in their favour keeping them in the race.

If the touring side whitewashes the hosts, they must defeat Australia 3-0 or 3-1 in the four home games. However, a loss against Bangladesh would mean they would have to complete a cleansweep in the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

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