Aakash Chopra believes India's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final are now uncertain. After a 113-run defeat in the second Test against New Zealand in Pune on October 26, India is down 2-0 in the three-match series.
Chopra feels India now faces a huge challenge, especially with the tough upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia.
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What did Aakash Chopra say on India's chances on reaching WTC final?
In a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra called India's road to the WTC final a "herculean task." He explained that India must win four out of their remaining six matches and draw one to secure a place in the final.
"The pressing question is what is the WTC qualification scenario because we were on a mission domination. We thought we would win all five (home Tests) and go ahead with 100 percent points. The scenario now is that you have to win four of the remaining six matches and draw one, and that is a herculean task," said Chopra on his YouTube channel.
Chopra highlighted how difficult the Border-Gavaskar Trophy would be for India. Although they have not lost at home for a decade, this time winning it seems extremely tough.
"Believe it or not, I feel the upcoming BGT is going to be very difficult. We have not lost for 10 years but winning this Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be extremely tough. So the qualification scenario is now looking a little dicey, especially when you see South Africa's home matches. That is the big one," Chopra added.
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The former Indian opener discussed South Africa's advantage in the current WTC cycle. They have already won the first Test against Bangladesh and have more home games lined up against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
If South Africa wins all their remaining five matches, they will book a spot in the WTC final. This puts additional pressure on India to perform well in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
What were India's missed opportunities?
According to Chopra, India's chances took a hit during the away tour of the West Indies, where they could only manage a draw in the second Test. This cost them valuable points in the WTC standings.
"In this WTC cycle, the drawn game in the West Indies hurt us. You could have got 100 percent points there but you got only four points for that drawn game. So you got only 16 points although there were 24 points to achieve. You lost points there," he added.
Chopra also pointed out that India's poor performance against New Zealand, where they are now only able to get a maximum of 33% points in the series, has further worsened their situation.
"Here you thought you would win all three matches and get 100 percent points, and you would be through but that's not the case. Now you have only 33% points to gain because New Zealand have already won two matches," he concluded.
India, currently at the top of the WTC points table with 62.82% points, is facing a tough challenge to stay in contention for the final. With teams like Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand also in the running, the upcoming matches will be critical for India's hopes of making it to the WTC final.
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