Colombo, August 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India captain Shubman Gill said the team emerged from its two-Test tour of Sri Lanka with several positives despite the second match ending in a draw, particularly praising youngsters Devdutt Padikkal and Manav Suthar for their impressive performances.
India secured a 1-0 series victory after winning the first Test in Galle by 165 runs before the second match at the SSC Ground ended in a draw.
Padikkal was one of the standout performers of the series. Batting at No. 3 in place of the injured B. Sai Sudharsan, he scored 328 runs and struck two centuries.
Gill said Padikkal’s ability to convert starts into substantial scores was particularly encouraging.
“I think it’s been a great series for us. A lot of positives in the series, all the youngsters doing well, so that’s very pleasing to see,” Gill said in a video posted on the BCCI’s social media accounts.
“Definitely, we speak about once a batter is set, they should make the most of it, and Devdutt showing that, very positive signs for us, and the way he batted in the series was a treat to watch. It truly tells the mindset of a player, and that’s a great positive sign for us,” he added.
Gill was equally impressed by left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Suthar, who claimed 16 wickets in the series, including a 10-wicket haul in the Galle Test.
“He’s been magnificent for us and I think he’s going to be someone who’s going to be leading the spin attack for India for a very long time,” Gill said.
He praised Suthar’s ability to consistently create wicket-taking opportunities and expressed hope that the youngster would continue developing.
Gill admitted that the drawn second Test was disappointing after India had put itself in a strong position early in the match. However, he credited Sri Lanka for their resilience and execution during the final three days.
“After day two’s play, we hoped that it was going to be a win for us, and then Sri Lanka batting the way that they did in these three days — sometimes you’ve got to learn from the opposition as well,” he said.
Gill said the lessons from the tour would be valuable as India look ahead to their upcoming series in New Zealand.
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