Kaif links India's draw to Kohli's absence

India drew the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on August 28, 2026, denying the visitors a 2-0 series sweep after a dramatic final day. The result, secured after Sri Lanka batted for 154 overs in their second innings, left India with a 1-0 series victory but significantly complicated their path to the World Test Championship final. India had dominated the match, posting 503 for 9 declared in their first innings with centuries from Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel. They then bowled Sri Lanka out for 290, enforcing the follow-on. However, Sri Lanka's resistance, led by Sonal Dinusha's unbeaten 133, proved unbreakable on the final day. Starting the day with six wickets down, the hosts lost only three more wickets as Dinusha anchored a marathon stand, guiding Sri Lanka to 429 for 9 declared and setting India a target of 216 runs. With time running out, the teams shook hands, settling for a draw. The draw means India collected 16 points from the series instead of the maximum 24 available from a clean sweep. This leaves them fifth in the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 51.52.