The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is a premier international cricket competition that brings a renewed focus to Test cricket, the longest and traditional format of the game. Introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the WTC aims to add context and significance to Test matches by culminating in a final showdown between the top two teams in the championship cycle. Teams accumulate points based on their performance in bilateral Test series, with each match carrying specific weightage. The pinnacle of the tournament is the WTC Final, a one-off match that crowns the ultimate Test cricket champion. This innovative championship structure injects excitement into Test cricket, emphasizing its strategic and enduring qualities, fostering a sense of rivalry, and providing fans with a grand spectacle that showcases the true essence of the sport. The World Test Championship has successfully elevated the profile of Test cricket, preserving its rich legacy while adapting to the modern cricketing landscape.
Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India secured a spot in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) Final in 2021, showcasing their prowess in both home and away conditions. However, despite being one of the top Test teams, they faced disappointment, falling short in the final. In 2023, under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India again demonstrated their dominance, earning another WTC Final berth. Yet, the outcome remained elusive as they experienced a second consecutive defeat in the ultimate showdown. Despite these setbacks, India’s consistent qualification for the WTC Finals underscores their standing as a formidable force in international Test cricket, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their future campaigns.
The WTC Final losses for India in 2021 and 2023 were compounded by the challenging circumstances of playing both matches in England right after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The abrupt transition left the Indian team with minimal time to adapt to the red Dukes ball and the specific conditions in England, a significant factor contributing to their defeats. The lack of a suitable adjustment period underscored the demanding nature of international cricket scheduling, highlighting the need for balanced calendars to ensure teams can adequately prepare for critical events, especially in the unique challenges posed by Test cricket.
ICC Ignores Rohit Sharma’s Concern Regarding The Scheduling Of WTC Final
Rohit Sharma reflected his concern about the scheduling of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final immediately after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) final. He questioned the timing, suggesting that it doesn’t necessarily have to be in June and emphasizing that the final could take place at any time of the year. Rohit advocated for a more flexible schedule, proposing that the WTC Final could be hosted in various locations worldwide, not limited to England. His remarks highlight the need for a balanced and accommodating cricket calendar, ensuring teams have sufficient preparation time and can compete in the pinnacle Test cricket event under optimal conditions.
“Why after the IPL final? Why can’t it be March? June is not the only month we should play the final. It can be played any time of the year and anywhere in the world, not just in England, it can be played anywhere in the world,” Rohit Sharma questioned.
Despite Rohit Sharma’s concerns regarding the scheduling and location of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, the ICC has chosen to proceed with hosting the 2027 edition in England, once again in June.
World Test Championship Final venues
- 2021: India vs New Zealand, Southampton, England
- 2023: India vs Australia, The Oval, London, England
- 2025: TBD vs TBD, Lord’s, London, England
- 2027: TBD vs TBD, England
