Rahul Dravid Optimistic on India's WTC Final Hopes: "Can't Write Them Off Yet"
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Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has expressed confidence that the national team remains a strong contender for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, despite currently facing an uphill battle in the points standings. Speaking on the remaining fixtures of the 2025–27 cycle, Dravid emphasized that while the margin for error is narrow, the squad possesses the immense quality needed to mount a successful comeback.
The Road Ahead in the WTC Points Table
Occupying the fifth position on the WTC points table, the Shubman Gill-led Indian side has eight Test matches remaining in the current cycle. To secure a coveted berth in the summit clash, India will likely need at least six victories from these encounters.
Dravid noted that while the team has fallen behind the front-runners, writing off a side with India's depth and talent would be premature. The ongoing series against Sri Lanka serves as an encouraging stepping stone, but tougher assignments loom on the horizon.
Upcoming Challenges in New Zealand and Home Tests Against Australia
Looking ahead, Dravid highlighted the demanding overseas tour to New Zealand scheduled for October, describing conditions there as a severe test for a younger squad featuring several players with limited exposure to Kiwi pitches.
Furthermore, the team will host Australia in a high-stakes five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series starting in January 2027. Dravid pointed out that navigating these series without the seasoned presence of veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane will require younger players to step up and maintain physical fitness to avoid injury setbacks during a crucial phase of the championship.
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