Despite missing out on a 2-0 series sweep in Colombo, Indian captain Shubman Gill remains firm in his belief that his side can secure a spot in the World Test Championship final. A resolute, final-day rearguard action led by Sonal Dinusha allowed Sri Lanka to hold out for a draw, leaving India stranded in fifth place on the standings. Nevertheless, Gill made it clear that the team’s qualification ambitions remain very much intact as they gear up for their upcoming red-ball assignments.
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As long as we have a chance, we'll keep believing: Gill on WTC final chances
Looking ahead to the remainder of the 2025–27 cycle, India face a crucial two-Test away series in New Zealand this November before hosting Australia for a premier five-match home series in early 2027. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gill stressed the importance of staying positive and building momentum on the road. He noted that a strong showing in New Zealand would keep their hopes alive and that as long as a mathematical path to the final exists, the team will continue to push for a top-two finish.
"We are going to New Zealand in November, that will be a good series for us, and then we've got a good home series coming. If we have a good New Zealand series, and as long as we have a chance, we'll keep believing. Hopefully we'll make it to the WTC final," Gill said.
Did Gill's decision to enforce follow-on on Sri Lanka backfire for India?
With the WTC final race reaching a critical stage, India face a razor-thin margin for error in their quest to secure a top-two finish. To keep their qualification destiny firmly in their own hands, Gill’s side must claim victory in at least six of their remaining seven Tests. The missed opportunity in Colombo stings all the more given India's initial dominance, having posted a commanding 503/9 declared before bundling Sri Lanka out for 290 to take a massive first-innings lead.
Despite enforcing the follow-on, India’s bowling attack failed to repeat their first-innings breakthrough as Sonal Dinusha’s second century of the Test anchored Sri Lanka to safety. Reflecting on the choice to make Sri Lanka bat again, Gill defended the tactical move by pointing to the unpredictable atmospheric conditions in Colombo. He noted that potential weather interruptions on the final day made enforcing the follow-on the most logical call at the time, adding that while hindsight invites debate, the team made the right call for the moment in a match that ultimately celebrated the spirit of Test cricket.