IND vs NZ: How does India's WTC Final quest impact after Bengaluru defeat? Who are the main contenders to rival India?

In the first match of the three-match test series against New Zealand, India suffered an 8-wicket defeat at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This defeat raised concern among Indian cricket fans about its impact on India's qualification for the upcoming World Test Championship Final.

After a humiliating first innings, India launched a comeback in the second innings and managed to set a target of only 107 runs for New Zealand. The Black Caps managed to chase down the target with the expense of only two wickets and climbed up to the fourth spot in the points table. India's winning percentage dropped from 70.83% to 68.06%, weakening their stronghold on the claim to secure a place in the WTC final.

Despite the setback in Bengaluru, India is still leading the WTC table. With two more Tests at home against New Zealand and a five-match series in Australia in the coming months, India's fate is in their own hands. To qualify for the WTC Final, the Men in Blue have to win at least four of their remaining seven matches and draw two, guaranteeing a spot in the final.

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Each of India's main adversaries - South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Australia face formidable challenges.

With seven Tests remaining, Australia is in second place with a 62.50% win-loss record. Their maximum percentage would only increase to 76.32% even if they were to win every one of those games. In their five-Test series against India, Australia may finish at 64.04% if they win four games, tie two, and lose one.

Only if they win all six of their remaining games might South Africa, who are now at a PCT of 38.89%, get as high as 69.44%. They will, however, play against fierce rivals like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. With five victories, their final percentage would be 63.89%, which would still allow India to pass them by a slim margin. Despite the defeat, India's chances to make it to the WTC final has not been marred significantly.

Third-place finisher Sri Lanka will be trying to qualify, but it won't be an easy journey. They now face Australia and South Africa in four crucial Test matches after their two wins. If they won all four, their PCT would rise to 69.23%, which may guarantee them a place in the championship game.

The sole benefit for New Zealand is that their victory in Bengaluru has allowed them back into the competition for the WTC final. There is also a slight possibility for New Zealand to qualify with three games left, including two against India. With all of their remaining games won, the Black Caps may end up with a 64.29% PCT. Their goal is challenging nonetheless as even three victories might not be sufficient to surpass the 50% threshold.

The interplay of their opponents' possibilities is what makes India's position especially safe. The two sides most likely to contend for a top-two finish, South Africa and Australia, still have to play Sri Lanka, so wins by one would immediately harm the other. It means if India loses one or two more games, its rivals will still have to face one another, which gives Rohit Sharma and his team the leeway.

At the end of the year, India's final series against Australia will be crucial. By that time, the WTC table's landscape may have changed significantly. India's spot in the final will be almost certain if they win at least two of those games and draw a couple down under.