Saturday, August, 29,2026

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DID COLOMBO EXPOSE THE ONE THING SHUBMAN GILL’S TEST TEAM STILL LACKS?

India will leave Sri Lanka with a series win, an emerging left-arm spinner in Manav Suthar, two centuries from Devdutt Padikkal and plenty of reasons to feel encouraged about the next phase of its Test cricket.

And yet, Colombo will linger! For a team that had spent most of the second Test in complete control, the final result felt strangely unsatisfying. India had made 503 for nine, dismissed Sri Lanka for 290 to take a 213-run first-innings lead and then enforced the follow-on. By the end of the fourth day, Sri Lanka were 218 for six. Four wickets separated India from a 2-0 sweep.

They never came. Sonal Dinusha, who had already scored 103 in the first innings, produced an unbeaten 133 in the second. Keshara Nuwantha stayed with him for 112 runs, while the lower order supplied the kind of stubborn resistance that Test cricket was built around. Sri Lanka eventually declared at 429 for nine with an hour left, and the two teams shook hands.

India spent the final two days discovering a question more than the result itself: has Shubman Gill’s new Test team learned how to dominate, but not yet how to close?

That is not the same as saying India played badly. In fact, the opposite is true. The team dominated large parts of the series. It won the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs, Suthar taking 10 wickets on only his second Test appearance. Padikkal’s 167 was another sign that India’s next generation is beginning to find its feet.

Colombo was different because the conditions demanded something else. The follow-on decision will inevitably attract attention, but Gill’s defence is reasonable. India had a substantial lead, the weather was a concern and there was a clear argument for making Sri Lanka bat again rather than spending precious time batting a second time themselves. Gill later said he would not call the decision a mistake and insisted it was the best call given the circumstances.

India had Sri Lanka at 218 for six. It had the match exactly where a team chasing a result would want it. But Dinusha refused to give them the opening they needed. His performance was remarkable. He finished the series with 420 runs, including three centuries and a fifty. In Colombo, he produced two hundreds in the same Test. His unbeaten 133 came from 264 balls, and much of it was played with the lower order around him.

India’s bowlers deserve credit for the pressure they maintained. Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja both finished with three wickets in the second innings. But the final day also exposed a potential vulnerability: when the pitch stopped offering enough assistance, India’s attack struggled to manufacture wickets.

That is particularly worth examining because this is a team being built for a very different Test future. India’s traditional strength has been its ability to overwhelm opponents with spin, particularly on turning surfaces. In Galle, that formula worked beautifully. Suthar finished with 10 wickets and India won comfortably. But Colombo offered a flatter, more stubborn surface. Dinusha repeatedly used his feet against the spinners, swept effectively and disrupted their rhythm.

The fast-bowling question was different but equally relevant. Mohammed Siraj was economical on the final day but lacked the usual penetration. Gill said there were no injury concerns and explained that Siraj was returning after a couple of months without playing.

None of this amounts to a crisis. It is a reminder that the new Indian Test team is still taking shape. That is perhaps the most important thing to emerge from Sri Lanka. Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir have inherited a side in transition. The old certainties are gone. The team is looking beyond the era of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin and Cheteshwar Pujara. In their place are players such as Suthar, Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel, all of whom made meaningful contributions during the series.

India’s next seven Tests are against New Zealand away and Australia at home. The WTC equation has also become less forgiving. India finished the Sri Lanka series fifth in the table with a points percentage of around 51.5 and now needs a very strong finish, with six wins from its remaining seven Tests putting it in a much stronger position for the final.

Still, the 1-0 series win remains a significant achievement. It was Gill’s first overseas Test series victory as captain and Gambhir’s first away series win as coach. Suthar emerged as a genuine option, Padikkal strengthened his case at No. 3 and Jurel showed that India’s batting depth is moving in the right direction.

Team India has already learned how to take control of a Test. The next challenge is learning how to make sure the game never slips out of its hands.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan, The author is a prolific sports writer, presenter and creates digital sports programmes. He brings a storyteller’s touch for the game’s deeper narratives

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Daily Astro

29-08-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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29-08-2026