Why draw vs Sri Lanka in Colombo could cost India a WTC final spot

India's quest for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final took a setback following a draw in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The result left India in fifth place in the 2025-27 WTC standings, with a points percentage (PCT) of 51.52. The draw means Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Bangladesh are in front, occupying the top four spots.

A victory in Colombo would have increased India's PCT to 63.33, moving them up to fourth. India has seven Tests remaining in this WTC cycle, with two scheduled in New Zealand in November, followed by a five-Test series against Australia in January. Winning six of those seven matches would yield 140 points and a PCT of 64.81; winning all seven would give India 152 points and a PCT of 70.37.

However, securing a final berth will depend on the performances of the teams above India. Despite the draw, India's captain Shubman Gill expressed optimism about India's prospects. India has not won a Test in New Zealand during their last two tours. They last won there in 2009, going on to secure a series win. They have suffered two consecutive home series losses - to South Africa (2-0) and New Zealand (3-0).

Australia leads the WTC table with a PCT of 80.00, followed by South Africa (75.00), New Zealand (72.22), and Bangladesh (55.56). India is just below Bangladesh. The gap highlights the significance of the Colombo draw, which could prove costly in the future. Sri Lanka is currently sixth with a PCT of 33.33, after playing six Tests.

England, who have played the most Tests (14), sit seventh with a PCT of 29.76, having suffered eight defeats and point deductions for slow over-rates. West Indies are eighth with a PCT of 20.83, while Pakistan is at the bottom with a PCT of 19.05, after losing to England by 103 runs. For India, the WTC race remains wide open, but the upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia have become even more crucial following the missed opportunity in Colombo.