India Faces Uphill Battle for WTC Final Spot

India's recent series loss to New Zealand at home has cast doubt on their path to the World Test Championship (WTC) final, placing added pressure on the upcoming five-Test series against Australia. To secure a spot in the final outright, Rohit Sharma’s squad must win at least four matches in the series, avoiding reliance on other outcomes. Former all-rounder Ajay Jadeja has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to achieve victory in Australia once again. He viewed the defeat to New Zealand as a necessary "wake-up call" but emphasised that the current squad’s extensive experience of winning overseas, particularly in Australia, gives them an edge.

Jadeja remarked at an event in Rajasthan that sometimes setbacks are essential for motivation, noting that although India clinched the T20 World Cup this year, sudden criticism has surfaced regarding Rohit Sharma's leadership and agility. Jadeja voiced empathy for Rohit and reiterated his belief in India’s potential to win the series, stating that their experience from frequent tours to Australia, unlike the gaps of earlier generations, equips them to be a formidable opponent with little to lose.

Highlighting Rishabh Pant’s crucial role, Jadeja described him as one of India’s finest talents and urged that Pant’s creativity not be constrained. He explained that imposing limits on such players often curbs their natural brilliance. Jadeja added that this challenge requires mental strength as much as physical, citing Jasprit Bumrah’s career as an example. Despite advice to alter his bowling action in his youth, Bumrah’s trust in his instincts, combined with mental resilience, has led him to excel.