IND vs BAN: How can India qualify for WTC final if 2nd Test in Kanpur ends in a draw?

As the second Test between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur grapples with rain-induced disruptions, the implications for India’s World Test Championship (WTC) ambitions are significant. With Day 2 already canceled due to persistent rainfall and Day 1 lost to bad light, the match is at a critical juncture.

India's quest to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final has been hindered by the rain-affected second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. If the match ends in a draw, India's path to the WTC final becomes more challenging.

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How can India qualify for the WTC final if 2nd Test against Bangladesh ends in a draw?

Currently, India sits atop the WTC standings with a PCT of 71.67 after 10 matches. A clean sweep of the Bangladesh series would have streamlined their path to the final, requiring only three wins from their next eight matches. However, with the ongoing weather issues, a drawn Test could alter this trajectory dramatically.

The upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia will be crucial. India must sweep New Zealand 3-0 at home and win at least two Tests in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia to keep their WTC final hopes alive. The previous two series in Australia have been won by India. 

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India reached the final of the World Test Championship in the previous two cycles but failed to lift the coveted trophy. India lost to New Zealand in the inaugural edition in 2021 and then went down against arch-rivals Australia in the second edition in 2023. 

Once again, India are favourites to reach the WTC final along with Australia as they are currently sitting at the top of the standings.