India’s Cricket Schedule Till the 2026 T20 World Cup

India celebrated a major victory by winning the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final. This was India’s third Champions Trophy title and their first in 12 years. But now, the attention is given to the future matches and tournaments.

India did not make it to the WTC 2023-25 final after losing to New Zealand and Australia. But they will now start their journey towards the next phase of the WTC with a Test series against England.

Key Highlights

• India will play 9 Test matches and 12 ODIs over the next year.

• The T20I team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will play 18 T20 matches in addition to the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.

• India aims to win the Pataudi Trophy against England after 18 years.

• With possible leadership changes, a new captain could take charge in red-ball cricket.

• India will defend its T20 World Cup title in February March 2026.

India’s Upcoming Series

ALSO SEE: Lucknow Super Giants Playing 11 vs Mumbai Indians IPL 2025 Match 16

Before the England series, Indian players will participate in the IPL 2025. The tournament starts on March 22 at Eden Gardens, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match. The final will also be held at Eden Gardens on May 25.

The next year promises exciting cricket for Indian fans, with key tournaments and series lined up before the big T20 World Cup

Kane Williamson has joined the proponents of specific international windows to bring some equity into the World Test Championship (WTC) and its matches. The former captain of New Zealand thinks that such structural changes may deal with the imbalance in the WTC, making it more competitive.

WTC Needs Adjustments for Fairness

Williamson, who captained New Zealand in winning the first WTC and held the title in 2021, pointed out the inequity of their allocation. He noted how Australia, England, and India dominate the number of Test Matches played and that the rest of the countries are “not ideal.” There are plans to review the WTC format before the 2025-27 cycle. One of the proposals being discussed is the allocation of defined periods for international cricket. Williamson underlined that having set periods for Test Matches increases the chances of competition in these games and assists in keeping Test cricket alive.

Enjoyed spending some time chatting about the future of the global cricketing landscape with Kane Williamson

His thoughts on international windows and potential tweaks to the WTC's structure belowhttps://t.co/YDd4wDFLWc

— Matt Roller (@mroller98) April 1, 2025

Also read: RCB vs GT : Match 14 Weather and Pitch report – IPL 2025

Effects of T20 Leagues on International Cricket

Williamson further explained the increasing phenomenon of franchise T20 leagues, which, while beneficial to players, can be detrimental to lesser-known cricketing nations. He noted that 50-over contests are all but extinct, with ODIs only being played during World Cups. Additionally, he mentioned that young players are more motivated by the IPL and other leagues, which suggests troubling times ahead for Test cricket.

Follow for more: https://www.cricketwinner.com/

While relinquishing a central contract, he declared that he will continue to represent New Zealand. In conversation, he accepted there is a need for better-defined international windows to manage franchise and international duties.

World Test Championship of this cycle coming to an end by this june where South Africa and Australia are going to play the final in the lords ground in England which is considered as the Mecca of Cricket. Already there are many speculation are around that the WTC cycle is totally unfair which helps only certain teams to play against each other but the rest feel to be left out. 

This has been the case which aroused in second WTC cycle as first one was the testing phase that how the dilema works out and reciprocate to people as we have seen in this fast pace world where eveything has been speed up then how would test cricket survive so long but its the ultimate warrior of an crickter which tests the determination and the grid of the player under the difficult circumstances. 

Read More: Micheal Clarke Admits Jasprit Bumrah Is An Absolute Freak

The Rise of World Test Championship 

Cricket has inspired many of young people and attracted them with the leagues which give lucarative amounts where intrerest for red ball has been gone down and to counter that ICC had decide and had to come up with an new idea, because  the leagues played in all around the world fulfills the demands of the player and kills the competitiveness of the game. 

Already its been said that cricket has dead way before because due to the course of lot of changes in the upcoming era where viewership is considered as the most. So ICC came up with an idea of ICC world test championship where it's based on cycle based system where each test playing nation will play against each other and the final two with higher percentage of points margin will move onto final. 

The Drawbacks And The Solution For Remedy

When the WTC cycle format was started it possessed great interest to the people it's like a World Cup you play against a test nation with away and home games till now its the third WTC cycle the problem here is the points where the visiting doesn't get any advantage of any away points and extra points for the series win and the next was not every teams play against each other so it demands how fair the event been conducted where only some of the big teams only get to compete with each other and rest of them are left out. And the next one was why only lords were to be chosen as the final venue. 

Read More: Riyan Parag Appointment As Captain Creates Amid Backlash From Public

Well ICC has come up with some changes after the end of this WTC cycle where they will extra points to the visiting teams for the series win and the second one to enhance the competitiveness they will come up enganging every team to have an roll where every team to get the equal series of match to get good quality of cricket. 

Indian cricket is more than a game. it is a money spinner that fuels the world cricket economy. A recent case in point is from Lord's, the legendary ground hosting the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in June 2025. News is that Lord's will lose almost 4 million in revenue as India failed to make it to the final.

The Financial Power of Indian Cricket

India's participation in any high-profile ICC tournament ensures sold-out crowds, record viewership, and huge sponsorship agreements. The Indian fan community, both within India and around the world, is unparalleled. From ticketing to merchandise sales to broadcasting rights, Indian cricket earns a huge amount of money and is thus the most valuable asset for cricket globally.

The 2021 WTC Final between New Zealand and India at Southampton generated huge interest despite pandemic restrictions. When India hosted Australia at The Oval in 2023, the Indian fans packed the stands and gave an electric environment. India's absence from the 2025 final translates to a decline in revenue, impacting ticket sales, hospitality, and local businesses surrounding the venue.

ALSO SEE: Is it a new cricket controversy: Jatin Sapru vs Harbhajan Singh?

Why Does India's Absence Matter?

Cricket boards, broadcasters, and sponsors depend heavily on India's presence to make maximum profits. Indian supporters travel in huge numbers, packing stadiums globally. India's absence makes the commercial viability of the WTC Final suffer. Even neutral supporters admit that an India-powered final generates more engagement and interest than other teams.

The Bigger Picture

This is indicative of the increasing reliance of world cricket on India. Cricket may be a world sport, but no other side has the same economic clout. The ICC and the countries hosting the tournaments are aware that without India, the economics of cricket tournaments take a hit.

India's not being part of the WTC 2025 Final can be seen as a reminder of how Indian cricket is so important to the international game. On or off the field, the influence of Indian cricket cannot be denied.

South Africa 615 (Rickelton, Bavuma 106, Verreynne 100; Abbas 3-94) and 61 for no loss (Bedingham 47*) defeated Pakistan 194 (Babar 58; Rabada 3-55) and 478 (Masood 145, Babar 81; Rabada 3-115) by ten wickets.

South Africa moved to the WTC final after an easy ten-wicket win against Pakistan, which was their seventh win in a row. The win took about two and a half days, mainly because of good ball throwing, finally getting Pakistan out for 478 in their third round of hitting. Pakistan's leader, Shan Masood, hit 145 runs, helped by Babar Azam's 81, but even with several good hits, they had to bat again after being down by a large amount. South Africa needed just 58 runs to win and easily obtained those in 7.1 rounds.

South Africa complete a comprehensive win in Cape Town to take the series 2-0 👏#WTC25 #SAvPAK 📝: https://t.co/L7gnQUIBxW pic.twitter.com/AP8ME53iOT

— ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2025

However, Pakistan made South Africa wait longer than imagined. When South Africa made Pakistan bat again, being ahead by 421 on Sunday, they thought they would not have to throw many more balls. Instead they threw for 122.1 more rounds. Masood, with 102 overnight, kept hitting well with Babar for a 205 run start.

South Africa felt annoyance that day, particularly with an 88-run partnership. But Keshav Maharaj found a way to break through and South Africa kept taking players out for the rest of the evening. Earlier, Marco Jansen got the night hitter, Khurram Shahzad, out soon and Kagiso Rabada took out Kamran Ghulam. Maharaj threw the ball for almost the entire session, with a break when he changed which side he threw from.

His different speeds and throwing styles, along with a spinning ball, were tough for the hitters to successfully deal with. In theory but not necessarily in fact the ways Maharaj bowled made sense but the wickets came from fast throwing. Let us engage in observing that this outcome, like the next final result, is possibly, but by no means probably, due to Maharaj. Shahzad finished his part but wasn't proficient at staying at the plate for long. A throw from Jansen became higher than he expected, and Shahzad weakly hit the ball to Maharaj who was near third base. Ghulam, not calm, made the men in close look nervous during his time batting. He was actually lucky to still be batting, since he swung hard at a faraway throw from Rabada and the ball flew right through the hands of David Bedingham who was near first base.

ALSO READ: Watson Believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Will Shine in Champions Trophy Despite Test Struggles

The wicket was always imminent. Kagiso Rabada's growing frustration from his lack of wickets and general indiscipline—having bowled another four no-balls this morning—was evident. Just after overstepping, he bowled a beauty that nipped back off the seam into Kamran Ghulam, cleanly bowled him out off middle and off stumps. It was a fitting way to bring up his 50th Test wicket at Newlands, and the roar that followed highlighted how much it meant to him. Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood made South Africa work hard for every wicket, but the hosts could have had one more before lunch. Kwena Maphaka bowled a lovely delivery that squared up Shakeel and hit his pad, but South Africa chose not to review it. Hawk-Eye later revealed the ball would have hit leg stump.

Maphaka then ended Masood's long vigil at the crease with a delivery that shaped away off the seam and kept low, hitting the batter's front pad. Umpire Nitin Menon thought it was missing off stump, but when South Africa reviewed, Hawk-Eye confirmed it was hitting, leading to a furious response from Masood. His protests continued as he slowly walked off the field and into the dressing room. This marked a strong start for South Africa after lunch. Shakeel was dismissed shortly after the resumption in similar fashion to the first innings: caught in the slips off a drive at Rabada. With Masood gone, there was a looming threat that Pakistan might collapse, as they have done recently.

Six years ago, at the same ground, Pakistan's third innings ended on the third evening, with South Africa needing just 41 runs to secure the series victory. The game concluded on the fourth morning after stumps were called.

Player of the match: Ryan Rickelton

Player of the series: Marco Jansen

This time, however, the South African openers ensured the match didn’t stretch into the next day. David Bedingham provided a quick boost with a scintillating unbeaten knock of 47 off 30 balls. His efforts helped South Africa wrap up the win in just 43 balls, making what had been a long wait in the field culminate in a routine and efficient victory.

India’s dream of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final has come to an end. After reaching the finals in 2021 and 2023, they hoped for a third consecutive appearance, but things did not go as planned. In 2021, India lost to New Zealand in the final, and in 2023, Australia won. Now, with the 2027 WTC cycle set to begin with the England tour in June 2025, India is struggling in Test cricket.

India suffered heavy defeats in both home and away series. They were clean-swept by New Zealand at home, and on the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour to Australia, they lost 3-1. These poor performances show that India needs to make some big changes to avoid future defeats and make a strong comeback in the upcoming WTC cycle.

Here are three big changes India must make:

 Pick Performers Over Big Names

India has long relied on star players, but it’s time to focus on current form, not past reputations. Even legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have been pillars of the team, need to be evaluated on their recent performances.

• Virat Kohli’s Dip: Kohli, once known for his incredible consistency, has seen his Test average drop from 57 in 2019 to 46 in 2024-25. While his past achievements are remarkable, India can’t afford to carry players who are no longer at their best.

• Rohit Sharma’s Struggles: As captain, Rohit struggled in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring just 31 runs in 3 matches at an average of 6. He even benched himself in Sydney, understanding the issue, but tough decisions are needed moving forward.

Players like Shubman Gill and KL Rahul also need to prove their worth. Gill averages in the mid-30s after 35 Tests and has not scored a century overseas. Rahul, with a decade of experience, has only 8 Test centuries.

India should prioritize players based on form, not reputation. Young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy should be groomed to replace senior players, but they too must perform consistently. Senior players nearing retirement should be phased out while helping guide younger players during the transition.

Play with 5 specialist bowlers

India’s current strategy of playing 3 bowlers and using all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy as backup bowlers is not working. Test cricket needs a strong bowling unit to take 20 wickets in a match, which is key to winning.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were the only consistent bowlers, but the team lacked a reliable third pacer. Using all-rounders in key bowling roles weakened the attack and allowed the opposition to score freely.

What India Should Do:

• Play 5 specialist bowlers in every Test match.

• Have at least one all-rounder who can support the bowling attack without compromising its strength.

• Train and groom new pacers like Prasidh Krishna to build a strong bowling lineup.

Read Also: .Virat Kohli Aspires to Be Interim Test Captain for Transition Phase and Desires to Play Till 2027

Build a Strong Batting Unit

India’s batting problems were clear in the last eight Tests (3 against New Zealand and 5 in Australia). In these 16 innings, the team only managed to score over 300 runs three times, which is crucial in modern Test cricket.

Key Issues:

• India has become too reliant on a few players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Rishabh Pant. While they have shown potential, more consistent contributions are needed from others.

• There is also a lack of partnerships, with players failing to convert their starts into big scores. A solid partnership is key to building a competitive total, but this has been missing in recent matches.

• Poor performances from senior players and inconsistency in the middle order have made it harder to maintain a strong batting lineup, leading to failures in crucial moments.

The Solution:

• India needs to develop a batting lineup where every player takes responsibility for the team’s success. Players should work together to ensure consistent performance rather than relying on a few individuals.

• Emerging talent should be nurtured. Players like Jaiswal and Reddy have shown promise but need support and opportunities to grow.

• Emphasizing partnerships is crucial. Batters should be trained to work together, building up runs and helping the team post competitive totals, especially in challenging conditions.

• Improving batting techniques, particularly for overseas conditions, is essential. Indian batsmen need to adapt better when playing outside of India, where they have struggled in recent matches.

Read Also: Gautam Gambhir Likely to Step Down as India Head Coach Due to Poor Team Performance and Player Concerns

India’s recent defeats in Test cricket show the need for big changes. Picking players based on performance, strengthening the bowling attack, and fixing the batting problems are all crucial steps.

Test cricket is a team game. To succeed, everyone needs to contribute, and the team needs better planning. If these changes are made, India can bounce back, dominate Test cricket again, and have a strong run in the WTC 2025.

After losing the Melbourne Test, India are in danger of losing their hope for qualification for the ICC World Test Championship Final for the ongoing cycle (2023-2025). The Melbourne Test defeat has raised the question of whether India have any more chance to reach the WTC Final for the third straight time.

If India drew the Melbourne Test, they could have a better chance to qualify for the upcoming WTC Final. As they suffered a defeat, India are in a tricky situation for the WTC Final qualification chance.

Australia are leading the five-match Test series Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 by 2-1 with the last Test yet to be played. Sydney will host the last Test of the series, starting on December 3. It will be the must-win game for India to only level the Test series by 2-2. 

See Also: Rohit Sharma on Rishabh Pant: Balancing Flair with Responsibility

WTC Final Qualification: Sydney Test will be the must-win game for India

Forget about losing the Sydney Test, India will be straight out of the WTC Final contention if they even draw the last Test of the series. In this case, India will have only 51.75 percentage points.

So, India must have to win the Sydney Test to only stay in the WTC Final contention. By winning the series decider, India will earn 55.26 percentage points. 

South Africa qualify for the WTC Final

By winning the thrilling home Test series opener against Pakistan, South Africa have already confirmed their place in the upcoming WTC Final. They already have 66.67 percentage points and can’t lose their place in the WTC Final even after losing the second or last Test of the series. 

Only Sydney Test draw result can be helpful for Sri Lanka

On the other hand, Sri Lanka are hoping for only a draw result in the Sydney Test, as the Lankans can only stay in contention for the WTC Final with that result. After the Sydney Test draw result, which will make India’s points percentage 51.75, Sri Lanka must have to win both of the two-match home Test series against Australia. Only these combined results will help Sri Lanka reach their maiden WTC Final, as Sri Lanka (53.85) will be slightly ahead of Australia (53.51) to grab second place in the percentage points table.

Sydney Test win will be enough for the defending champions Australia

In the meantime, a Sydney Test victory will be enough for the baggy greens to advance to the WTC Final, even if they then lose a 2-0 away Test series against Sri Lanka. In the case of a draw result in the Sydney Test, India will be out, and Sri Lanka will remain in the contest for the WTC Final, but the defending champions Australia will secure their place for their second consecutive WTC Final with only one draw result in the two-match Test series against the hosts Sri Lanka. 

India's only WTC Final qualification: Australia can't win a Test in Sri Lanka after losing Sydney Test

If Australia lose the Sydney Test, they need to win at least one Test in Sri Lanka. In Australia’s Sydney Test defeat scenario, if they lose both Tests or draw both Tests or lose a Test and draw the other Test in Sri Lanka, only India will advance to the WTC Final for the straight third time.

WTC Final

Lord's will host the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final from June 11, 2025. 

Agarkar's Mission in Melbourne: Deciding Rohit Sharma's Test Cricket Future

Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar is in Melbourne on a crucial mission to address one of Indian cricket’s most pressing questions—Rohit Sharma's future in Test cricket. As India's Test captain faces scrutiny over his form and leadership, Agarkar’s visit underscores the urgency of charting a clear path forward for the team.

🚨 REPORTS 🚨

The Chairman of Selectors, Ajit Agarkar, is currently in Melbourne and is likely to have a discussion with Rohit Sharma regarding his future in Test cricket.

If India doesn’t qualify for the WTC 2025 Final, the fifth Test in Sydney could mark the end of Rohit… pic.twitter.com/a1IwmhPu7a

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) December 27, 2024

India's WTC Scenario

India’s chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 hang in the balance. Currently locked at 1-1 in the five-match series against Australia, India must win at least two remaining matches to secure a berth in the final. Failure to do so could jeopardize India’s WTC aspirations and mark a significant transition in team leadership and structure.

ALSO WATCH: Yashasvi Jaiswal Run Out on 82 After Costly Mix-Up

Rohit Sharma's Struggles

Rohit Sharma, 37, has faced a decline in his Test performances over the past year. With an average of just 11.07 in his last eight innings, his role as a consistent run-scorer has come under scrutiny. Critics and former players have called attention to his dismissals, particularly in high-stakes moments, as indicative of a lapse in focus or waning form. The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne saw Sharma dismissed for just 3 runs, sparking renewed debates about his future.

Rohit Sharma's Future in Test Cricket Hinges on WTC Qualification

India's cricketing fraternity is abuzz with speculation about captain Rohit Sharma's future in Test cricket. The 37-year-old veteran is reportedly considering retirement from the longest format if India fails to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in 2025. This pivotal decision could mark the end of an illustrious Test career that began in 2013 and saw Sharma evolve into a dependable opener and a leader for India.

Breaking 🚨 🚨 🚨 #RohitSharma𓃵 to retire from International Cricket post , MCG test ....

It was a wonderful career from a local mumbai boy ...

( Source : 2 Sloggers yt chanel + Eminent journalists) #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/EWvUDeCFzt

— 𝔸𝕃𝕎𝔸𝕐𝕊𝔽𝔸𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ (@harsh_hpt) December 27, 2024

Series Against Australia: A Decisive Moment

India is currently engaged in a five-match Test series against Australia, crucial for determining their WTC standing. To secure a place in the 2025 WTC Final, India must win at least four Tests in this series. With the series tied 1-1 after three matches, the final two Tests will determine not only India's fate in the WTC but also Sharma's future in the red-ball format.

Decline in Form

Sharma's recent performances in Tests have drawn criticism. In his last eight innings, he has managed just 155 runs at a disappointing average of 11.07. This slump in form has intensified scrutiny over his position in the team. During the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sharma was dismissed for just 3 runs, fueling conversations about his declining effectiveness in the format.

Here is the updated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table as of December 27, 2024:

India's qualification for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 depends on their performance in the ongoing Test series against Australia and the outcomes of other teams' matches. Here’s how India can secure their spot:

Avoid Draws and Losses:
Key Points for Qualification:
Win at Least Two Tests Against Australia:

India needs to win at least two out of the remaining three Tests in the series against Australia.
A win in two matches would significantly boost their PCT (Points Percentage) above 60%, keeping them in contention.
Avoid Draws and Losses:

Draws or losses will reduce India’s PCT, making it harder to stay ahead of competitors like South Africa, England, and Australia.

AUS vs IND Match Preview

With the five-match series hanging on the balance, Australia will face India in the fourth Test on Boxing Day. Both teams hope to gain an insurmountable advantage. The match begins on Thursday at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

AUS vs IND Match Details

Australia vs India – 4th Match, Test Match

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Richmond

Date & Time: 26th December 2024 at 05:00 AM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

AUS vs IND Venue Stats

AUS vs IND Pitch Report

The Melbourne offers a flat, hard surface. The pitch is true, with good pace and bounce, as well as the bowlers will have a lot of movement in the new ball. Bowlers will also notice good seam movement, especially with the new ball in play.

AUS vs IND Weather Report

The climate in Richmond is likely to be cloudy, with some rain on the following two days.

AUS vs IND Last Five Matches

AUS vs IND Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: SunRisers Hyderabad's fresh signee named to Sri Lankan ODI squad for New Zealand tour

AUS vs IND Probable Playing XIs:

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh/Beau Webster, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins(C), Alex Carey (WK), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India Probable Playing XIs

Rohit Sharma(C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(WK), Nitish Reddy, R Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Topmost Picks for AUS vs IND Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – India

• Yashasvi Jaiswal – Virat Kohli hasn't been in the best of form this season, averaging slightly more than 25 in the 9 games played in 2024.
• Jasprit Bumrah – Bumrah has been the leading wicket-taker in the series with 12 scalps at an average of just 11.25.

Top Picks – Australia

• Usman Khawaja – Khawaja has an impressive record at the MCG, where he averages more than 42 runs.
• Scott Boland – Scott Boland’s 51 wickets against India at an average of 26.94 make him a potent weapon.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AUS vs IND Dream11 Team:

KL Rahul(VC), Rishabh Pant, Alex Carey, Steve Smith, Travis Head(C), Nitish Reddy, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for AUS vs IND Dream11 Team:

KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Alex Carey, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Nitish Reddy, Mitchell Starc(VC), R Jadeja, Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah(C), Mohammed Siraj

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Travis Head, Jasprit Bumrah

Vice-captain – KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc

Wicketkeeper – KL Rahul

AUS vs IND Probable Winners:

Australia and India were close competitors in this series, as evidenced by the 1-1 tie. However, despite a strong start, India has struggled to maintain a competitive advantage. Australia was hampered by the weather in Brisbane but appeared to be the superior team. India's dependence on Jasprit Bumrah is obvious, as are the cracks in both teams' batting lineups. A close contest is likely, but Australia possesses more weapons at its disposal. It is also expected to win a toss soon! Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.

The third Test between India and Australia may have ended in a draw, but it represents a significant win for India in the larger context of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and the World Test Championship (WTC). Here’s why this result is a positive outcome for India:

The Series Is Still Level at 1–1

By avoiding a loss in this Test, India has kept the series alive at 1–1. With two matches remaining, the team has a great opportunity to capitalize on venues like Melbourne and Sydney, where they have a strong record. The draw ensures that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains within reach, with everything to play for in the remaining matches.

Strategic Advantage at Friendly Venues

India’s success at Melbourne and Sydney provides a significant psychological edge. Melbourne, in particular, has been a favorable venue for India in recent years. Since the 2010–11 tour, India has not lost a single match at Melbourne, consistently securing either a win or a draw. This record makes the upcoming fourth Test a critical opportunity for India to take the lead in the series.

See Also: Travis Head doubtful for Melbourne Test? Cummins gives crucial update

Keeps WTC Final Hopes Alive

The draw has secured crucial points for India in the WTC standings, keeping their hopes for the final alive. The possible outcomes for India’s WTC journey are as follows:

• If India Wins the Series 3–1
  A 3–1 series victory will confirm India’s spot in the WTC final without needing to rely on other results.
• If the Series Ends 2–2
  In this case, India’s fate will depend on Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka. To keep India’s chances alive, Sri Lanka must win at least one match against Australia.
• If India Loses or Draws Both Remaining Matches
  A 2–1 or 1–1 series result would likely eliminate India from the WTC race, as they would require multiple favorable results in other series to stay in contention.

What Lies Ahead?

The focus now shifts to the fourth Test at Melbourne, which could be a pivotal moment for India in both the BGT and WTC races. A victory there would put immense pressure on Australia heading into the final Test in Sydney, a venue historically known for drawn matches.

Although the third Test did not produce a definitive result, it has set the stage for an exciting finale to the series. For India, this draw is an opportunity to regroup and push for a series victory that could also secure their place in the WTC final. The race is far from over, and India is firmly in control of their destiny.