Vikrant Shekhawat : Sep 11, 2024, 08:00 AM
WTC Final: The Indian cricket team is preparing for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, the first match of which will be played on September 19. The importance of this series is immense for the Indian team, especially in terms of making it to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). The BCCI has announced its squad for the first Test, and Team India is in no mood to take Bangladesh lightly.Indian team position and upcoming matchesThe Indian team is currently at the top of the points table of WTC 2023-25. The team has played a total of 9 Test matches, out of which it has won 6 and lost 2 matches. Due to this, the team's PCT (Percentage of Points) is 68.52. In the upcoming matches, the Indian team has to play a total of 10 Test matches—against Bangladesh (2 Tests), New Zealand (3 Tests), and Australia (5 Tests).If the Indian team manages to win the Test series against Bangladesh 2-0, then its PCT will become 74.24. However, this will not be enough to reach the final as 8 matches are left and the team will have to win 6 out of the next 10 Tests at any cost. Winning six Tests will give India a PCT of 64.03, which may be enough for the WTC final.Team India's strength on home pitchesIndia has to play 5 Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand on home pitches. The home ground has always been favorable for the Indian team, where the team has shown its full strength. India's performance at home has been strong against opposing teams like Bangladesh and New Zealand, and given this, the Indian team is expected to succeed in the series.Previous defeats in the WTC final and future challengeThere have been two WTC finals so far. India made it to the final both times, but lost to New Zealand once and Australia the second time. This time too, both India and Australia are strong contenders to make it to the WTC final. The Australian team currently occupies the second position, with a PCT of 62.50 after winning 8 and losing 3 matches out of 12 Tests.ConclusionThe Indian cricket team's series against Bangladesh is an important step towards the World Test Championship final. The team will need good preparation and strategy in the upcoming Test matches so that they can make it to the final and avenge the defeat in the last two finals. Indian cricket fans have high expectations from this series and have full faith in the team's ability to accept this challenge.