Rahul Dravid Backs India to Reach WTC Final Despite Tough Road Ahead

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid believes India can still qualify for the World Test Championship final despite their current position in the standings.

India are fifth with a 53.33% points percentage, having collected 64 points from 10 Tests. They have seven matches left in the current WTC cycle, including two Tests in New Zealand and five at home against Australia.

Dravid said India have the quality to fight their way back into the race. Speaking to JioHotstar after India’s 165-run win over Sri Lanka in Galle, he said, “You’re not going to write them off at any stage.”

India’s first major challenge will come in New Zealand in November. Dravid feels the conditions could test India’s young players, many of whom have limited experience playing Test cricket there.

“(Playing against) New Zealand away, (is) always a challenge. (They are a) tough team to play away from home,” Dravid said.

He also pointed to the absence of experienced players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, who played key roles when India last made a strong WTC push.

“We’re missing the experience of Virat, Rohit, Ajinkya Rahane and Pujara, these kinds of guys who’ve probably been there the last time India went,” Dravid said.

After New Zealand, India will face Australia in a five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home from January. Dravid expects the series to be a major opportunity, with Australia eager to win a Test series in India for the first time since 2004.

“Australia will be really exciting. A lot of their players will be very keen to do well in India,” Dravid said.

Dravid also stressed the need for India to keep their players fit in the coming months. With seven Tests still to play, India have a clear path back into the WTC final race, but the challenges ahead will be tough.