How many wins India need to qualify for WTC final after embarrassing 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand?

India's famed batting line-up fell like a pack of cards as the hosts failed to chase down a target of 147 in the fourth innings in the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai and registered an embarrassing 3-0 series defeat at home, a first whitewash since 2000

India's senior pros Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma fared miserably in the whole series as the batting failed to counter spin. India continued to ask for spin tracks but their own ability to handle turn in Tests has gone down so badly that New Zealand looked better accustomed to facing turn and grip as compared to the Indian batters

Rishabh Pant was the only one to have some approach and plan to counter the likes of Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel. India's abject performance has left them wanting an exceptional Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia to have a shot at making the WTC final

Now, with five Tests remaining - all in Australia - India basically can't afford a slip-up. At one point it looked like India could roll over New Zealand 3-0 but the opposite has happened and hence, anything less than 4-1 win in Australia would mean India losing a WTC spot. Four wins would take India's PCT to 64.03, which might be enough but a fifth would seal the deal at 69.29. However, it looks like a herculean task at the moment

While India are in a must-win zone, New Zealand coming into the series were already in a must-win zone and with a 3-0 win, they have kept their hopes alive. Now, they need to sweep England at home 3-0 as well and that would take their PCT to 64.28, which will more or less see them challenge India, Australia or South Africa for a spot

South Africa, on the other hand, are in a commanding position. A 2-0 win in Bangladesh has helped them create a room for themselves that even if they win three of their remaining four Tests in the current cycle, all at home, they should have a PCT in excess of 60. Four wins will confirm a place for them irrespective of other results with a PCT of 69.44

Sri Lanka, the only other team in the running for a spot in the WTC apart from India, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Sri Lanka with three wins in a row like South Africa have given themselves room to afford one defeat in remaining four Tests. However, since they take on SA away and Australia at home, their schedule isn't easy. Two defeats will bring an end to their contention, hence they have to ensure that they have to win at least one Test match in South Africa

That makes all comes down to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy! Australia are currently at the top with a PCT of 62.50 and four wins out of the remaining seven Tests should be enough for them to qualify for WTC final. However, even if Australia win two at home, India's chances will potentially be finished and vice-versa, their chances will get diminished. It's popcorn time in the WTC 2023-25 cycle with a handful of series left