“India are now bearing the consequences of losing that series” - Former Pakistan cricketer analyses India’s chances of making WTC 2025 final
Former Pakistan player Basit Ali recently opined about the three-horse race between India, Australia, and South Africa for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final qualification amid the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ali pointed out how Rohit Sharma and company put themselves in an unwanted situation after their 0-3 defeat against New Zealand at home.
The 53-year-old shared his reaction after India lost the second Test to Australia by 10 wickets, which leveled the five-game series 1-1.
With the loss, India’s hopes of qualifying for the WTC final have become tricky. They were supposed to win the series by a 4-1 or 3-1 margin to book a final berth regardless of the possible B, C, or D scenarios.
South Africa are at the top of the latest WTC 2023-25 points table, followed by Australia and India.
Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel (via The Times of India):
“Can India win the series 4-1? It seems difficult. Now, India should focus on winning the Border-Gavaskar series. Now, discussions will start about the whitewash against New Zealand. India will deeply regret that it was a huge mistake."
"No one could have imagined that the Indian team, which was defeated by England on their home ground, would be whitewashed by New Zealand. But this is what cricket is about. India is now bearing the consequences of losing that series,” he added.
Take a look at the possible WTC 2025 final scenarios:
“The final should be between India and Australia” – Basit Ali wants a repeat of the WTC 2025 final
Basit Ali expressed his wish to see a repeat of the 2021-23 WTC final between India and Australia in the upcoming 2025 edition of the tournament. He said in the same video:
“If India are out, Australia will have very bright chances. Australia have the advantage of five matches, while India only has three. Let's see. The final should be between India and Australia.”
Rohit Sharma-led India lost to Australia by 209 runs in the WTC 2021-23 final. The Men in Blue, under Virat Kohli, had also lost in the final of the 2019-21 edition of the tournament to New Zealand. They would hope to win the championship, provided they qualify for the summit clash.