‘I have to learn from the opposition too’: Shubman Gill reflects after Sri Lanka deny India a clean sweep

Indian captain Shubman Gill, left, on day five of the second Test (PTI Photo) India captain Shubman Gill admitted there were many lessons for his side despite the disappointment of missing out on a series clean sweep against Sri Lanka, while backing the team to respond strongly when they travel to New Zealand later this year.India had to settle for a draw in the second Test in Colombo after Sri Lanka’s lower order put up a determined fightback, led by Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 133. India still won the two-match series 1–0, but the missed opportunity to secure another victory affected their World Test Championship points percentage, leaving them fifth in the standings ahead of the series in New Zealand, which began on 1 November.In a BCCI video, Gill said the way Sri Lanka fought in the last three days deserved credit and felt India could learn from their opponents as well.“We learned a lot in this series. I think we played decently. Obviously it wasn’t the result we wanted in this game. After day two we were hoping it would be a win for us and then Sri Lanka batted the way they have for the three days. Sometimes you have to learn from the opposition and give them credit for the way they played and hopefully we have a good series in New Zealand.”

Gill praises Padikkala’s impact

One of the biggest positives for India was the form of Devdutt Padikkal, who was produced as player of the series after two centuries.With Sai Sudharsan unavailable due to injury, Padikkal took advantage of his opportunity to strengthen his position at No. 3 in India’s Test batting order.Gill was particularly impressed with Padikkal’s ability to turn good starts into sizable scores.“We talk about once a batsman is set, he should make the most of it and Devdutt showed that. Very positive signs for us and the way he batted in the series was a treat to watch, you know, it really speaks to the mindset of the player and that’s a great positive sign for us,” Gill said of Paddikal.Padikkal ended the series as India’s leading run-scorer, making 328 runs in three innings at an average of 109.33. His record included two centuries and a highest score of 167.In his four Tests and six innings so far, Padikkal has amassed 418 runs at an average of 69.66, with two centuries and one fifty.

Gill identifies Suthar as the future leader of the spin

Gill also singled out Manav Suthar for praise after the left-arm spinner emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker in the series.Suthar’s standout moment came in the first Test at Galle where he took 10 wickets to register the first ten-wicket haul of his career. Gill believes the spinner has the qualities to become a long-term leader of India’s spin attack.“He’s been brilliant for us and I think he’s going to be someone who will lead India’s spin attack for a very long time. And the way he bowled in this match and even in the first match was a treat to watch. Every time he comes to bowl I feel like he’s going to create those chances and get us wickets and hopefully he’ll continue to do that,” the skipper said.Suthar finished the two-Test series with 16 wickets at an average of 21.06. His haul included a four-wicket spell and a six-wicket haul in the first Test, while his best innings figures were 6/55.

Dinusha leads Sri Lanka’s fight

India’s first innings total of 503/9 was built on three-figure knocks from Padikkal and Dhruva Jurel.Padikkal made 117 off 193 balls and hit 12 fours, while Jurel remained unbeaten on 115 off 177 deliveries, with nine fours and two sixes. Rishabh Pant contributed 63 off 89 balls, including six fours and two sixes, while Gill scored 50 off 108 balls with six fours.Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka’s top bowler as she finished with four wickets.Sri Lanka replied with 290 in their first innings. Dinusha again played a central role, scoring 103 off 162 balls with eight fours and three sixes. Pasindu Sooriyabandara added a valuable 80 off 133 balls, hitting nine fours.Prasidh Krishna and Suthar claimed three wickets apiece for India.Asked to continue, Sri Lanka were reduced to 218/6 before Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha mounted a stubborn recovery. The pair added 112 runs with Nuwantha making 46 off 150 balls, including four boundaries.Dinusha completed another century and remained unbeaten on 133 off 264 deliveries with eight fours and two sixes. His resistance, combined with a lower-order effort that repeatedly frustrated the Indian bowlers, took Sri Lanka to 429/9.The draw ended India’s hopes of a 2-0 series win, but Gill believes the experience can be valuable when India return to Test action in New Zealand in November.