Former India cricketer Rahul Dravid broke down India’s chances to qualify for the World Test Championship final as the Shubman Gill-led team looks to make a push for the top two spots. India are on a mission to book a place in next year’s June final at The Oval and are in a mid-table battle with several stakeholders looking to stake their claim.
India stand fifth in the WTC standings with a PCT of 53.33. They stand behind Bangladesh, who tally a PCT of 55.56 after their 1-1 draw in Australia. India will take the fourth spot if they beat Sri Lanka in Colombo and then can push for the top three, which is currently occupied by Australia (80 PCT), South Africa (75 PCT) and New Zealand (72.22 PCT).
Former India coach Dravid, who oversaw India’s run to the final in 2023, “hoped” that the team could make it to the final. He was aware of the mid-table muddle India find themselves in and sounded realistic when he opined that it would be “great” if they could make it to the top two with tough assignments coming up against New Zealand and Australia. They’ve fallen behind a little bit, but the kind of quality that the Indian team has, you’re not going to write them off at any stage,” Dravid told JioStar.
“I’m hoping they do. It’ll be a great run if India can qualify for the WTC final from here. India have started their mission well in Sri Lanka. Coming to the island nation, India, who are ranked fifth currently, needed to win eight of their last nine Tests to stay in contention for the final. They have ticked the first win in Galle and are gunning for their second in Colombo. However, tough away Tests against New Zealand and home against Australia await the two-time finalists.
