"The loss in this match has hurt" - Aakash Chopra on India's WTC final qualification scenario after defeat in IND vs NZ 2024 1st Test
Aakash Chopra has noted that India's loss in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru has hurt their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. He pointed out that the two-time finalists have a lot of work to do to guarantee their place in the summit clash.
New Zealand completed an eight-wicket win against India on Sunday, October 20, to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Although Rohit Sharma's side still occupies the top spot on the WTC points table, their percentage points have dropped to 68.06.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra,' he noted that India's defeat in the Bengaluru Test has left them with a slightly difficult task to secure their place in the final.
"It's not that straightforward because there are many permutations and combinations. We are not the only ones playing, others are also playing. If we get 56 points, which means if we win four matches and draw two, we will reach 67.54% points. That should see us through," he said (1:10).
"That means we need to win the next two matches, win at least two in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and draw two matches. Our qualification is absolutely confirmed if we go like that. The loss in this match has hurt because if we had won this and the next two as well, we would have reached 85% and would have had less work to do," the former India opener added.
The final two Tests against New Zealand will be played in Pune and Mumbai, respectively. India's final assignment in the league phase of the current WTC cycle will be a five-Test series in Australia, with the first game starting in Perth on November 22.
"It won't be easy for South Africa to beat Bangladesh in Bangladesh" - Aakash Chopra on the other challengers for the WTC final berth
In the same video, Aakash Chopra noted that South Africa can surpass India even if Rohit Sharma and company reach 67.54 percent points. However, he added that it won't be easy for the Proteas to do that.
"The truth is that after this also our percentage points will be 67.54. South Africa can still reach nearly 70 (69.44) if they win all their remaining matches. However, it won't be easy. They have to go to Bangladesh. It won't be easy for South Africa to beat Bangladesh in Bangladesh," he said (2:05).
The cricketer-turned-commentator added that Australia's position is virtually similar to India.
"Australia can also reach 69.04 if they win four matches and draw two games. However, they have two games in Sri Lanka. The dates are not yet out but they have to go to Sri Lanka, and play against India. So four wins and two draws, their condition is almost similar to India's, but it won't be easy for them as well," Chopra explained.
Chopra concluded by pointing out that if India get less than 56 points from their remaining matches, they will be dependent on other teams, as Sri Lanka can finish on 67% and South Africa can also progress.
However, he added that India are still in a decent position but would need to mandatorily win the next two matches against New Zealand at home, or else they will be under a lot of pressure during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.