The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide was nothing short of a rollercoaster for cricket enthusiasts, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by a significant Indian loss. Australia, initially struggling at 191-5, were propelled by Travis Head’s explosive 140, securing a lead of 157 runs. India, in response, could only muster 175 in their second innings, setting a paltry target of 19 runs which Australia chased down, leaving India with a defeat that not only leveled the series but also complicated their path to the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 finals.
This loss marked a grim milestone for Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who joined an elite yet unwanted list of Indian captains who have lost four Test matches in a row.
The list now reads:
6 – MAK Pataudi (1967-68)
5 – Sachin Tendulkar (1999-00)
4 – Datta Gaekwad (1959)
4 – MS Dhoni (2011)
4 – MS Dhoni (2014)
4 – Virat Kohli (2020-21)
4 – Rohit Sharma (2024)
India’s recent performances, including a 3-0 series loss to New Zealand followed by this defeat, have seen them slip to the third spot in the WTC standings with a points percentage (PCT) of 57.29. However, the path to the finals isn’t entirely blocked for India; they still have a chance to turn things around.
To qualify for the WTC 2025 finals, India needs to focus on winning the remaining three matches of the series against Australia without any draws or losses. Winning these three games would elevate their PCT to 64.03, potentially securing them a spot in the finals. Australia, currently leading with a PCT of 60.71, would need to win at least three out of their next five matches to maintain their advantage, making each game critical for both teams.
Meanwhile, South Africa is making strides towards securing their qualification, having already walloped Sri Lanka. If they manage to beat Pakistan in their upcoming series, they would be on course to reach a PCT of 66.66 or even 69 if they remain undefeated. Only Pakistan stands between South Africa and a confirmed spot in the WTC final, making the South African series outcomes pivotal.
For India, the equation is clear: they must beat Australia in all three remaining Tests to earn 36 points, which would significantly diminish Australia’s chances. However, even with three wins, India’s qualification would still hinge on one more victory in the series, assuming they expect South Africa to beat Sri Lanka in their upcoming matches. This scenario would then pit India in direct competition with South Africa and Australia for the second spot in the finals.
As the dust settles on the Adelaide pitch, the narrative for India shifts towards redemption and strategic gameplay. Every match from here on is a do-or-die scenario for the Indian team, not just in terms of winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but more crucially in securing their place in the WTC finals. The challenge is immense, but with three Tests left, India has the opportunity to rewrite their recent history and qualify for yet another WTC final, showcasing the resilience and fighting spirit that has defined Indian cricket on the world stage.
