Australia he made a commanding show to conquer India and 184 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, leading 2-1 in five matches. Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 list. The win not only brought them closer to retaining the trophy but also seriously dented India's chances of qualifying for the tournament. World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 the last thing.
Australia's bowling attack hampers India's chase
Set a daunting target of 340 runs to win, India were bowled out for just 155 runs in 79.1 overs on the final day. The constant rush of Australians and improvement was led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starcwho eliminated India's top order by exercising. For India, Yashasvi Jaiswal they won big with a gritty 84 off 208 balls, but lacked contributions from three players Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli slayed to India's chances of chasing the target well. Rohit, Rahul and Kohli managed 9, 0, and 5 runs, respectively, leaving India with no hope of mounting a serious challenge.
India's World Test qualifiers are hoping for a big win
India's defeat has had a negative impact on their prospects for the WTC 2025. Currently ranked 3rd in the WTC points table with a PCT (Points Scored) of 52.78%, India's qualification now depends heavily on external results. To stay in the tournament, India must win the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3, 2025.
Even then, they will be needed Sri Lanka to beat Australia 2-0 or 1-0 in their two-match series, which starts on January 29, 2025, in Galle. If this is achieved, India can complete the WTC cycle with a PCT of 55.26%, surpassing Australia's 53.51% and Sri Lanka's 53.85%. However, if India fail to win the Sydney Test or finish in the draw, their hopes of making it to the WTC finals will end, with either Australia or Sri Lanka taking the remaining spots.
Meanwhile, South Africa have already secured their place in the WTC 2025 final with a defeat Pakistan by two wickets in the first Test of their two-match series at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 29, 2024. This will be South Africa's first finals appearance at the WTC, increasing the pressure on India to perform and avoid missing the tournament. for the third time in a row.
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India's form worsens: Flop show from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
India's batting, especially the poor performance of their senior players, has marred their campaign since September when the Test season began. Rohit and Kohli, once the pillars of the Indian batting team, battled it out in the series, Rohit's form being the most impactful. His aggregate of just 31 runs at an average of 6.20 in this series has set a new record for the lowest score by a batsman in an Australian test match (minimum five innings). Rohit's disappointing performance in Melbourne, with 3 and 9, added to the frustration of the fans. His failure to adopt his 'Hitman' character in the series has resulted widespread criticism and chatter on social mediaand calling for his retirement, along with Kohli, is gaining attention.