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Xtra Time Web Desk: Persistent rain in Bengaluru has cast serious doubt over the possibility of a result in the first Test between India and New Zealand. The opening day was entirely washed out, and the forecast for the coming days looks similarly unfavorable. India, having pulled off a remarkable win in their rain-affected second Test against Bangladesh, may now need to work similar magic if any play is possible against the Kiwis.

This match is a crucial part of India’s 2024/25 Test season and the final leg before the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final. While India currently leads the WTC standings, their spot in the final is not yet secured.

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WTC Standings

India tops the table with a points percentage (PCT) of 74.24 after 11 Tests, followed by Australia at 62.50 from 12 Tests. Sri Lanka sits third with a PCT of 55.56 from 9 Tests, while England (45.59) and South Africa (38.89) round off the top five.

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India's Road to the WTC Final

India has featured in both WTC Finals, losing to New Zealand in 2021 and to Australia in 2023. To guarantee a place in the 2025 Final without depending on other teams' results, India needs five wins and a draw from their remaining 10 Tests in this WTC cycle. They’ve already secured two wins, having swept Bangladesh 2-0 before this series. A victory over New Zealand, especially considering India’s home dominance and New Zealand's recent struggles, seemed likely until rain jeopardized the Bengaluru Test.

If the first Test ends in a draw, India might need to focus on securing at least one win in the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar series in Australia to solidify their place in the WTC Final.