“The loss in this match has hurt” – Aakash Chopra on India’s WTC final qualification scenario after loss against New Zealand

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra feels India’s chances of qualifying for the third consecutive World Test Championship final took a massive hit after their eight-wicket loss against New Zealand at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

Despite the loss, India is at the top of the WTC standing with eight wins in 12 matches, three losses and one draw. The Rohit Sharma-led team has a PCT of 68.06.

Now India will need to win the remaining two Test matches against the Kiwis and win at least two against Australia and draw two as well to confirm their place in the WTC final.

“It’s not that straightforward because there are many permutations and combinations. We are not the only ones playing, others are also playing. If we get 56 points, which means if we win four matches and draw two, we will reach 67.54% points. That should see us through,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“That means we need to win the next two matches, win at least two in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and draw two matches. Our qualification is absolutely confirmed if we go like that. The loss in this match has hurt because if we had won this and the next two as well, we would have reached 85% and would have had less work to do,” the former India opener added.

Meanwhile, the reputed commentator noted that it won’t be easy for South Africa to beat Bangladesh in Bangladesh. In the opening Test, the Proteas have taken a 34-run lead with four wickets in hand after bundling out the Tigers at 106 in the first innings.

“The truth is that after this also our percentage points will be 67.54. South Africa can still reach nearly 70 (69.44) if they win all their remaining matches. However, it won’t be easy. They have to go to Bangladesh. It won’t be easy for South Africa to beat Bangladesh in Bangladesh,” he said (2:05).

Chopra noted that Australia is in the same boat as India and it won’t be a cakewalk for the Pat Cummins-led team to seal their WTC final berth.

“Australia can also reach 69.04 if they win four matches and draw two games. However, they have two games in Sri Lanka. The dates are not yet out but they have to go to Sri Lanka, and play against India. So four wins and two draws, their condition is almost similar to India’s, but it won’t be easy for them as well,” Chopra explained.

India will take on New Zealand in the second Test at Pune.