Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra is optimistic about India’s chances of qualifying for the third consecutive World Test Championship final. India is currently at the top of the World Test Championship 2023-25 with a PCT of 68.52, including six wins in nine Test matches.
India will next take on Bangladesh in a two-match Test series and will face New Zealand in a three-match Test series in home conditions before traveling to Australia for five matches of the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
“Let’s talk about India first. We are moving fast towards our third consecutive WTC final. In fact, we are running. India are the table toppers currently. They have 10 matches left. If India win all their 10 matches, our best possible finish will be 85%,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“However, I feel our place in the final will be secured even if we win one or two matches in Australia, provided we do well at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand and it’s better if we don’t drop matches there,” the former India opener added.
Meanwhile, Australia, the current World Test champions, is in second place with a PCT of 62.50, including eight wins in 12 matches.
“The defending champions Australia are very strong contenders. Australia still have two series left. One is against us, which will have five Tests, and the second is against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. Their place at Lord’s will be secured if they beat us 4-1. If they win all seven Tests, their maximum point percentage will be 76.3%,” he observed.
The renowned commentator feels the inaugural WTC champions New Zealand have a difficult road ahead as they are currently in third place with a PCT of 50.
“New Zealand’s road is slightly tough. They have eight matches left. The problem is that they will have to play the first two Test matches against Sri Lanka in Galle, that won’t be easy. If they came out from there, they have to play three against India, and then three Tests in the end at home against England,” he explained.
“If they win seven matches, they can get a place in the final but the job will be difficult. If they win all eight matches, their percentage will become 78.57, which is fantastic, but I don’t think it’s going to happen,” Chopra added.
India will take on Bangladesh in the opening Test at Chennai from September 19.
