India Faces Uphill Battle for World Test Championship Final After Loss to New Zealand

Bengaluru: India's aspirations for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final suffered a significant setback following an eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the first Test of their three-match series on Sunday. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, the Indian team struggled to maintain their earlier momentum, raising concerns about their path forward in the championship.

Chasing a modest target of 107 runs in the second innings, New Zealand displayed commendable composure and skill, easily securing the win without facing major setbacks. Indian bowlers were unable to capitalize on crucial moments, resulting in a disappointing outcome for the home side.

Despite the loss, India remains at the top of the WTC points table, though their percentage has dropped to 68.06%. The team now faces a daunting task of winning five out of their remaining seven matches to ensure qualification for the WTC Final. The pressure is on as they prepare to face New Zealand in two more Tests before heading to Australia for a challenging five-match series later this year.

New Zealand’s victory not only boosted their standing but also propelled them from sixth to fourth position in the WTC table, with a win-loss percentage of 44.44%. This win has reignited their chances for a second appearance in the WTC Final, especially as they gear up to host England for three Tests in November and December.

The match in Bengaluru saw India being bowled out for a record low of 46 runs on the first day, followed by New Zealand scoring a formidable 402, thanks to a remarkable century from Rachin Ravindra (134) and a valuable 65-run contribution from Tim Southee. However, India showcased resilience in their second innings, with Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99) leading a strong comeback before the second new ball shifted the momentum back in favor of the visitors.

As India looks to regroup and strategize for the upcoming Tests, the focus will be on capitalizing on home advantage against New Zealand and then braving the Australian challenge. The road ahead is steep, but with strong performances, they can still secure their place in the World Test Championship Final.