Shubman Gill confident India can reach WTC final despite Colombo Test draw

Shubman Gill remains confident that India can still reach the WTC 2025-27 final despite the drawn Colombo Test denting their qualification hopes. India will now turn their focus towards the crucial two-Test series against New Zealand in November.

In Short

• India remained fifth in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 51.52
• Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 133 helped Sri Lanka save the Colombo Test
• Gill said India gave everything over three successive days

Shubman Gill said India would continue to believe in their chances of qualifying for the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27. On Thursday, India missed a golden opportunity to beat Sri Lanka after Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 133 in the second innings helped the hosts save the Colombo Test.

India won the series 1-0 but remained fifth in the WTC points table, with five wins and a points percentage of 51.52. With seven Tests still remaining, even victories in all of them may not guarantee India a place in the final.

2nd Test Day 5 Highlights | Scorecard

India will next play two Tests in New Zealand in November, followed by a five-match Test series against Australia next year. For now, Gill’s focus is firmly on the series against the Black Caps, which could prove make-or-break for India’s WTC hopes.

“We're going to New Zealand in November, so that will be a good series for us. Then we've got a good home series coming up. Hopefully, if we have a good New Zealand series, as long as we have a chance, we always keep believing. Hopefully, we'll make it to the finals,” Shubman said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

‘COULD NOT HAVE DONE ANYTHING ELSE’

After taking a 213-run lead in the first innings, India sensed victory in Colombo and enforced the follow-on. However, Dinusha’s century, Pasindu Sooriyabandara’s 92, and gritty efforts from Keshara Nuwantha and Lahiru Kumara denied India a win.

Sri Lanka eventually declared their second innings at 429 for nine. Gill said India gave everything over three successive days but felt there was little more the team could have done.

“Honestly, nothing. We fielded for about 250 overs over three consecutive days, and I think we did everything we could. They played brilliantly. Their batters played really well, showed a lot of skill and had a little bit of luck going their way. So, I don't think we could have done anything differently,” Shubman added.

India will have ample time to reassess their plans, with the first Test against New Zealand scheduled to begin nearly three months from now, on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

- Ends