For the first time since the inception of the World Test Championship (WTC), India will not be a contender in the final at Lord’s in June 2025. This marks a departure from their consistent performances in the previous cycles, where they reached the finals in 2021 and 2023.
India’s hopes for a spot in the 2025 finals were dashed after a 6-wicket defeat to Australia in the last Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney on January 5. This loss ended India’s campaign in the WTC 2023-25 cycle, during which they played 19 Tests, securing 9 victories, facing 8 losses, and drawing 2.
Australia clinched the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a 3-1 series win, ending their decade-long wait for the prestigious trophy. Their victory in Sydney ensured their progression to the final of the WTC, where they will face South Africa. For Australia, this will be their second consecutive final appearance, while South Africa will be making their debut in the championship’s ultimate match.
India’s performance in the Sydney Test was crucial yet underwhelming. With captain Rohit Sharma missing the decisive match, India managed a modest first-innings total of 185. Despite a spirited bowling effort that dismissed Australia for 181, India faltered in their second innings, only setting a target of 161.
Australia reached the target with ease, thanks in part to India’s inability to manage the seam-friendly conditions and the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, their lead bowler, due to a back injury.
Reflecting on the entire WTC cycle, India’s journey was a rollercoaster. They commenced with a series win in the West Indies and a hard-fought draw in South Africa. A dominant 4-1 victory over England at home highlighted their potential, which was soon followed by the T20 World Cup triumph under Rahul Dravid’s coaching tenure, which ended post-victory.
However, the cycle took a downward turn with a shocking 0-3 series loss at home against New Zealand, marking India’s first-ever whitewash in a home series. Despite beginning the Australian tour with a win in Perth, subsequent matches saw India’s batting line-up crumble under pressure, particularly in the crucial Sydney Test.
India’s exit from the WTC 2023-25 cycle is a significant setback and prompts a period of reflection and recalibration as they aim to reclaim their prowess in future international Test cricket challenges.
