Gill urges wins to secure World Test Championship chance ahead of India-Sri Lanka Test
Shubman Gill urged India to prioritise qualification for the World Test Championship final while speaking in Galle on Friday, ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium that starts on Saturday, August 15, 2026. He addressed the media on August 14, 2026 ahead of the match.
Several milestones coincide with the opening game: it will be India’s 600th Test, the Galle International Stadium’s 50th Test and Gill’s 10th Test as India’s skipper. The touring party arrived early and played a warm-up match, an exception to the usual packed international schedule that gave the side additional preparation time. File | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI
On the tournament objective, Gill was explicit. He said: “The main goal is to play the World Test Championship final next year. We have to win around six or seven to have a chance of qualifying. In terms of that, this is a very important series.”
Gill commented on the benefits of the current preparation window, citing the value of extra days before a Test. He highlighted: “If the scheduling allows us to have at least a week or 10 days before a Test, it helps with the preparation. Last year we had a busy schedule and it is never easy. Most players require a bit of time to adjust with the conditions. So this extra time in preparation helps.”
Speaking about selections and personnel, Gill expressed confidence in Devdutt Padikkal and praised Prasidh Krishna’s recent form. He said: “Devdutt was here earlier with India A and did well. He has got all the skills and the potential to succeed in this format.” He later added: “Prasidh recently has been bowling the best that I have ever seen him bowl.”
Gill also commented on the playing conditions at Galle, offering praise for the venue’s appearance while warning about environmental factors. He said: “In grounds which are open, wind plays a crucial part. As a batter if you want to take on a spinner, we have to see if the wind is with us or against us.”
The first Test begins on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Galle International Stadium; India head into the match seeking the wins Gill described as necessary to keep their World Test Championship final hopes alive.
