(December 31, 2024) — As the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 edges closer to its conclusion, Australia finds itself on the verge of clinching the title, while India faces an uphill challenge to secure a spot in the final. With only a few matches remaining in the current cycle, Australia’s consistent performance has given them a commanding position, leaving India with slim chances of making a late surge.
Australia, having dominated key series in the ongoing cycle, is in pole position with a healthy points tally. Their victories over top-ranked teams have significantly boosted their chances, and they are now just one step away from sealing their place in the final. The team’s balanced lineup, with strong performances from both batsmen and bowlers, has been the key to their success. If they maintain their current form, Australia is likely to seal the title with ease, barring an unexpected collapse in their remaining fixtures.
On the other hand, India, which started the championship with high expectations, now finds itself needing a string of favorable results to stay in contention. Despite some standout performances, particularly from key players like Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin, India has struggled to secure consistent victories in crucial matches. With limited fixtures left and the points gap widening, India will have to hope for losses from other teams and win their remaining matches with comprehensive margins to stay in the race.
India’s path to the final is made even more difficult by their underperformance in overseas conditions, where their struggles have been evident in the past year. The team’s leadership, headed by Rohit Sharma, will have to inspire a much-needed turnaround to keep the hope alive. Additionally, factors such as injuries and form issues have added to the challenges faced by India in this cycle.
As the 2023-25 World Test Championship nears its final phase, all eyes are on the race for the top spots. While Australia appears ready to secure their place in the final, India’s prospects remain dependent on a combination of factors outside their control, making their journey to the championship final a daunting one. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Men in Blue can mount a late challenge or if Australia will walk away as the dominant force in Test cricket.
