India vs Sri Lanka: Shubman Gill Reacts After Draw Denies India 2-0 Series Sweep

India seemed like it was well on course to claim a 2-0 clean sweet victory against Sri Lanka and win the series but the hosts produced a brilliant fightback with some stubborn batting and enforced a draw in the second test at Colombo.

The Sri Lankans were dismissed quite cheaply in their first innings and were bowled out for 290 runs in their first innings, after India scored put on a mammoth score of 503. Team India skipper asked the hosts to follow-on and pinned all his hopes on his tweakers to finish the job and seal a big win. But, Sri Lankan batter, Sonal Dinusha had other plans and dented India hopes of 2-0 win.

The Sri Lankan middle-order batter produced his third century in the two-match series and second in the match and remained unbeaten on 133 as Sri Lanka reached 429/9 before the two teams shook hands and settled for a draw.

The Draw is Not As Bad As a Defeat: Shubman Gill

Although team India missed a golden opportunity to win the series 2-0, Gill said that the result was not as painful as a defeat. He also praised Sri Lanka for their stubborn resistance with the bat and admitted that India were pretty disappointed for not completing another win.

He said, “A draw doesn't hurt like a defeat. Situation wise, the draw was credit them, we hoped for a win so disappointing.” He also said that the test provided valuable lessons for him as a captain. “Things always don't go as per plan, so a lot of learning for me as well as a captain. I give 10/10 for the effort and intent of everyone.”

India have eventually finished the series with a 1-0 win after they won the first test in Galle by 165 runs.

Gill Defends His Decision to Enforce the Follow-on

During the presentation ceremony, Gill explained why he decided to enforce the follow-on after India gained a huge lead. With the possibility of rain, the wanted to give India enough time to push for the win.

India had taken a 213-run lead in their first innings and had Sri Lanka under immense pressure by asking them to bat again on a surface that was offering something for the spinners. However, Sonal Dinusha once again stood like a rock between India and victory.

Resuming the innings at 229/6 on Day 5 Sri Lankan middle order batters Dinusha and Keshara Nuwanthara stitched a critical partnership of 112 runs for the seventh wicket, keeping India at bay and struggling to find a wicket. Nuwantha made a well compiled 45 while Dinusha carried on batting through the innings and remained unbeaten, enroute completing his second century of the game.

India tried different strategies and approaches on a wearing fifth-day pitch, but Dinusha kept batting and saw Sri Lanka home, keeping them from losing the game. Manav Suthar once again showed he is ready for the big stage, and bowled 41 overs, eventually finishing with figures of three for 121 runs. Meanwhile, the veteran all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja finished with figures of three for 94 in 38.3 overs.

Gill said, “I don’t think the follow-on backfired, we fielded for over 250 overs. We were anticipating rain, and wanted to take that chance. Had we not taken it and had it rained, you would have asked why not follow on.”