‘We couldn’t have done anything differently’ – Shubman Gill reflects on India’s declaration call

The 2nd Test between India and Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo ended in a draw on August 27, denying Shubman Gill and Team India the chance to secure a 2-0 series whitewash.

Sri Lanka’s resilience on the final day, particularly through Sonal Dinusha‘s second-innings century, ensured the match remained unresolved despite India’s aggressive approach. India had enforced the follow-on after establishing a significant first-innings lead, but rain on Day 4 interrupted the momentum when Sri Lanka were positioned at 229 for 6 and leading by just 16 runs.

The hosts resumed the final day trailing by 213 runs with their backs against the wall, yet managed to bat out the remaining time and finish at 429 for 9. Dinusha became only the third Sri Lankan batter after legendary Duleep Mendis and Aravinda de Silva to score a century in both innings of the same match, a rare achievement that underscored the quality of the opposition’s response.

Gill on the declaration and fielding effort

India had fielded for approximately 250 overs over three consecutive days, a demanding physical effort that tested the squad’s endurance and commitment.

“Honestly, nothing. I mean, we fielded for about 250 overs, three days consecutively, and we did everything we can. They played brilliantly. I think the batters played really well, and they had a lot of skill and a little bit of luck going their way. So I don’t think we could have done anything differently,” Gill said in the post-match presentation.

Gill identified several positives from the series for the Indian team and praised the contributions of key performers across the tour. The captain expressed optimism about the future direction of the team despite the missed opportunity for a whitewash.

“A lot of positives for us, even learning from the opposition. I think the position that they were under, under immense pressure, and the way they came back was tremendous to see. It sort of tells us, and we were talking in lunch and at tea time, that I don’t think that we could have done (anything) differently,” Gill added.

Positives and emerging talent in the series

Shubman Gill highlighted the emergence of young players during the series as a significant takeaway for Indian cricket. The captain conveyed enthusiasm about the trajectory of the Indian team and the opportunities ahead for continued growth and development.

“But in the series, a lot of positives for us. Padikkal was brilliant, KL was really good, Manav bowled brilliantly, and Prasidh in both the innings, bent their back, both the fast bowlers. So I think we did everything we can,” he further noted.

“Very excited. I think really exciting times for us. Very important for us to be consistent on and off the field, with our preparation and the way that we perform and how we go about our things. And I think so far there have been a lot of positives for us,” Gill concluded.