Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra shared his views on Australia's chances of making it to the ICC World Test Championship WTC 2025-27 final after they failed to defend the title against South Africa in the last final at Lord's in June.
Chopra has boldly claimed that Australia is no longer a strong favorite to reach the WTC 2027 Final. However, the Kangaroos are currently leading the ICC World Test Championship WTC 2025-27 points table after their clean sweep in the West Indies.
Aakash Chopra says Australia not the strong favorite for the WTC Final 2027The former Indian batter felt Australia has a great chance to make most of the points from their home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, but they can't earn many points during their Ashes series against England because it is a five-match Test series later this year.
Even the well-known cricket pandit predicted that Australia will not earn more the ICC World Test Championship WTC 2025-27 points during their Test tour of India next year.
Chopra also pointed out that the Australian cricket team, especially their bowlers, is getting older and might face a tough transition soon. So, Chopra feels Australia has a fair chance but is not among the strongest contenders for the WTC 2027 Final.
They will leave India after losing to them: Aakash ChopraAakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel, "Their home series are against New Zealand, England, and Bangladesh. They will 100 percent win against Bangladesh. They should win against New Zealand. They should win against England as well. However, it's a five-match series, so they are unlikely to get full points. I feel they will leave India after losing to them."
He continued, "They might win just one match. If they win only one match, they will lose a lot of points. They can win all matches in the West Indies which they have already done. However, South Africa will challenge them again. So, it is not that straightforward. Looking at the draw, it doesn't seem that easy to me. Decent chance, but I won't say strong contenders."
Aakash Chopra predicts tough WTC Final 2027 road for South AfricaMeanwhile, Aakash Chopra believes that South Africa has a tough road ahead in the race for the WTC Final 2027. He even boldly claimed the defending champions will not reach the finals.
With challenging home series against Australia, England, and Bangladesh, and tough away tours to India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, Chopra feels the Proteas side have "fewer chances" to get the points and even join the race for the WTC Final 2027.
Chopra signed off by saying, "Africa has fewer chances. They are the defending champions at the moment, but it's tough. All three of their away series are in the subcontinent. They will find it difficult to even draw all three of those series. South Africa, in my opinion, might not qualify. There is a good chance of them not qualifying."