Shubman Gill believes India can reach the WTC final despite the draw in the Colombo Test

Shubman Gill said India will continue to believe in their chances of qualifying for the finals of the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC). On Thursday, India missed a golden opportunity to beat Sri Lanka after Sonal Dinusha made an 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 run percentage of 51.52. With seven Tests remaining, even winning them all may not guarantee India a place in the finals.

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

“We go to New Zealand in November so it will be a good series for us. Then we have a good home series. Hopefully if we have a good series in New Zealand, if we have a chance, we always believe. Hopefully we can get to the finals,” Shubman said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

‘HE COULDN’T DO ANYTHING ELSE’

After taking a 213-run first innings lead, India tasted victory in Colombo and claimed promotion. However, Dinush’s century, Pasindu Sooriyabandar’s 92 and gutsy efforts by Keshara Nuwanth and Lahiru Kumara denied India victory.

Sri Lanka eventually declared their second innings at 429 for nine. Gill said that India had given everything in three consecutive days but felt that the team could not have done more.

“Honestly, nothing. We put up about 250 overs in three straight days and I think we did everything we could. They played great. Their batsmen played really well, they showed a lot of skill and they were a little lucky to go their way. So I don’t think we could have done anything differently,” Shubman added.

India will have plenty of time to reassess their plans, with the first Test against New Zealand due to start in almost three months, on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

27 Aug 2026 18:00 IST