Despite the loss, India maintains their top spot in the World Test Championship points table, but their chances for the final are not guaranteed. Skipper Rohit Sharma expressed disappointment in the team's performance and stated that it's too early to think about the WTC final. With six games left, India will have to secure at least three more victories to maintain their position in the championship race. However, their next big challenge will be the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where their impressive record over the past six years makes them strong contenders.
India's Journey in the World Test Championship: Triumph and Tribulations
The World Test Championship (WTC) is an international championship for men's Test cricket, organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The competition, which began in 2019, involves nine top-ranked teams competing for the prestigious title.
India's Performance in the WTC
India has been a formidable contender in the WTC from the outset. In the first edition, they finished as runners-up to New Zealand, narrowly losing the final at the Hampshire Bowl. However, in the current cycle, India has been in a dominant position.
As of February 2023, India sits atop the WTC points table, having won 10 out of 15 matches played. Their victories include a historic 2-0 series triumph over Australia in 2020/21, the first by an Asian team Down Under.
Recent Setback in Nagpur
Despite their overall dominance, India suffered a setback in the recently concluded first Test against Australia in Nagpur. Australia, led by a spirited performance from Steve Smith, defeated India by an innings and 132 runs.
The loss exposed some chinks in India's armor, particularly their reliance on spin bowling. However, captain Rohit Sharma remained optimistic, stating that the team would learn from their mistakes and bounce back stronger.
Remaining Challenges and Path to the Final
With six matches remaining in the WTC league stage, India's path to the final is not yet secure. They need to secure at least three more victories to maintain their position in the championship race.
Their next major challenge will be the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where they will play four Tests against a resurgent Australian side. India has an impressive record in Australia over the past six years, winning two series and drawing one.
Top 5 FAQs on India's WTC Journey
Q1: What is India's current position in the WTC points table? A: India is currently ranked first in the WTC points table with 10 wins and 1464 points.
Q2: What was the result of the recent Test match against Australia in Nagpur? A: India lost to Australia by an innings and 132 runs in the first Test at Nagpur.
Q3: How many victories does India need to secure a place in the WTC final? A: India needs to secure at least three more victories in the remaining six matches.
Q4: Where will the WTC final be played? A: The WTC final will be played at The Oval in London from June 7-11, 2023.
Q5: Which team has won the first edition of the WTC? A: New Zealand won the first edition of the WTC, defeating India in the final at the Hampshire Bowl.
During the third ODI between Australia and India in Sydney, Shreyas Iyer sustained a serious rib injury while attempting to catch Alex Carey. Despite his valiant effort, Iyer's injury has been revealed to be more severe than initially thought, with a laceration injury to his spleen in addition to the impact injury to his ribs. The BCCI is closely monitoring Iyer's recovery, as he is expected to be out for at least three weeks and miss the upcoming South Africa ODIs.
India beats Pakistan in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup with a partnership between Abhishek and Gill that reached 105 runs, easily taking Pakistan out of the game. Abhishek scored a 39-ball 74, with six fours and five sixes, while Gill made 47 in 28 balls, with eight fours. After reaching the target, Abhishek and Gill made some remarks and gestures towards the Pakistani bowlers, showing a reminiscent of the 1996 World Cup battle between India and Pakistan. This win puts India on top of the Super Four stage with two wins in a row.
India's batting line-up faces a major setback as the Women's ODI World Cup semifinals nears, with star opener Pratika Rawal ruled out due to a freak injury. The team is now looking for a replacement to open alongside Smriti Mandhana, with options like Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, and even the return of Shafali Verma being considered for the crucial match against Australia. Rawal's absence will be a huge blow for India's chances of lifting the World Cup.
With the unfortunate injury of Pratika Rawal, India has named Shafali Verma as the official replacement in their squad for the Women's ODI World Cup. The 21-year-old opening batter had been dropped from the team's ODI plans but her impressive form in the shortest format has earned her this opportunity. Verma will have to fill in for the consistent Rawal, who had a phenomenal partnership with Smriti Mandhana, and impress in a format she hasn't played in since 2024.
Shafali Verma has been named as the replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal in India's squad for the World Cup semifinal against Australia. Rawal had suffered a freak injury while fielding in the last group stage game against Bangladesh. Verma, who has been in good form in domestic cricket, is expected to open the innings with Smriti Mandhana in the knockout clash. Rawal's absence will be a blow for India, as she has been a key player for the team and holds the record for the joint fastest century in ODIs.
India's promising opener, Pratika Rawal, has been ruled out of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 due to a severe ankle injury sustained during the team's last league game against Bangladesh. The injury occurred due to the wet ground conditions as the match was reduced to 43 overs per side. Rawal, who had an impressive year in international cricket, will be a significant loss for India as they face Australia in the semifinals.
According to sources, Indian ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, was admitted to the ICU at a Sydney hospital after suffering an impact injury during the third ODI against Australia. The injury appeared minor at first but after returning to the dressing room, Iyer suffered internal bleeding and was quickly admitted to the hospital by the BCCI team doctor. Fans are now anxiously waiting for Iyer's speedy recovery and return to the field.
In a major setback for Team India, opener Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the World Cup semi-final against Australia due to an ankle injury sustained in the match against Bangladesh. Rawal, who had played a crucial role in the team's victory against New Zealand, suffered a fracture and will not be able to take part in the crucial match. There are also concerns over the fitness of wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who was hit on her finger in the previous match and did not play against Bangladesh. As a result, India will have to make some changes to their line-up and also decide who will open the innings with Smriti Mandhana in the match against Australia.
Indian cricket fans were dealt a major blow as vice-captain Shreyas Iyer's injury turns out to be more severe than expected. The batter, who was part of the ODI squad for the upcoming Australia tour, suffered internal bleeding after attempting a diving catch in the third match of the series. He has been admitted to the ICU and will need time to recover, making his participation in the 2025 tour uncertain. Though his condition is now stable, it could have been fatal if not for the timely intervention of the BCCI's medical team.
As Australia prepares for the upcoming Ashes 2025 series, they have confirmed that stand-in captain Steve Smith will lead the team in the first Test, with Pat Cummins still recovering from a lumbar stress injury. This will be Smith's sixth time leading the team since 2021, and he has proven to be a successful captain in the past. With Cummins out, Scott Boland's recent hat-trick against the West Indies has secured his spot in the attack for the first Test. Despite Cummins resuming bowling, Cricket Australia has also announced that leg-spinner Adam Zampa will miss the T20I series against India due to personal reasons. Stay updated with all the latest sports news and live match coverage.