![India are set to take on Sri Lanka [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1785928851566_GautamGambhir (8).jpg)
India are set to take on Sri Lanka [Source: AFP]
India are all set to switch their focus from white-ball cricket to the longest format of the game as they prepare for two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Notably, this will be India's first Test tour of Sri Lanka in nine years.
The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, while second and final Test will take place in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
With the WTC points table starting to take shape, every match has become extremely important. Therefore, India's performance in Sri Lanka could play a key role in their chances of reaching the WTC Final in 2027.
India's Qualification Chances Ahead Of Sri Lanka Series
India are still in the race for a place in the WTC Final, although they cannot afford any mistakes from this point onward.
Notably, India had a decent start to their campaign by registering two wins and a draw during the England tour. Later, the Shubman Gill-led side won against West Indies 2–0. However, they went down 0–2 against South Africa, which affected their position in the standings.
As a result, India have to win all nine of their upcoming matches in a row to make it to the top.
If India manage to beat Sri Lanka 2-0, their PCT will improve to 57.58. Even then, they might not move up the table immediately as Bangladesh currently have a PCT of 58.33.
Meanwhile, if both teams win one Test each, India's PCT will rise only slightly to 48.48, compared to their current 48.15. Similarly, Sri Lanka's PCT would go down to 44.44, meaning there would be very little change in the standings.
India's Current Position In WTC Standings
At present, India are placed fifth in the WTC standings. They have won 4 Tests and lost 4 from nine matches, giving them a PCT of 48.15. On the other hand, Sri Lanka are sixth with one win, one loss and two draws, holding a PCT of 41.67.
Meanwhile, Australia continue to lead the table with an outstanding PCT of 87.50, having lost only one of their eight matches. Defending champions South Africa are currently second after winning three of their first four Tests.
Therefore, there is still plenty of time left in the WTC cycle, although every result will now have a major impact on the points table.
Why Sri Lanka Test Series Is A Must-Win For India
The Sri Lanka series could prove to be a turning point in India's WTC campaign.
If India lose the series 2-0, their PCT will fall to around 39, which would make qualification much more difficult. At the same time, Sri Lanka's PCT would jump to around 61, pushing them into the top 4 and strengthening their own chances of reaching the final.
Furthermore, India's schedule becomes much tougher after this series. Following the Sri Lanka tour, India will travel to New Zealand in November-December, where they have traditionally struggled. In fact, India have not won a Test series in New Zealand since the 2008-09 tour. Overall, India have won only two Test series in New Zealand.
After that, India will host Australia in a high-pressure home series in January 2027. Therefore, dropping points against Sri Lanka could leave India with a mountain to climb.
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