Shubman Gill highlights positives after Sri Lanka draw denies India clean sweep

India dominated the second Test, scoring more than 500 and reducing Sri Lanka to 8 for 2 before enforcing the follow-on. However, Sonal Dinusha led a determined resistance to deny India victory.

The result was frustrating in the World Test Championship race, with India remaining fifth and facing seven Tests against New Zealand and Australia.

Gill defended the decision to enforce the follow-on, pointing to the 70 overs lost to rain during the opening four days.

"We didn't know how much cricket there would be on days four and five. And we wanted to take that chance," he said.

India bowled 243.4 overs in their pursuit of victory, but the Colombo pitch became increasingly difficult for the spinners. Only four lbw dismissals and two bowled wickets came from the spinners, with Gill noting that slow turn and high bounce made defensive batting effective.

"The balls that turned, they turned slowly and bounced quite high," he said.

Gill instead focused on the performances of India's younger players. Devdutt Padikkal scored 328 runs at 109.33, including two centuries, while left-arm spinner Manav Suthar claimed 16 wickets, including a 10-wicket haul in Galle.

"We speak about once a batter is set, he should make the most of it. And Devdutt showed that," Gill said.

Of Suthar, he added: "He's been magnificent for us and I think he is going to be someone who is going to be leading the spin attack for India for a very long time."

Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel also strengthened the middle order.

Despite the missed opportunity in Colombo, Gill remains confident India can reach the WTC final.

"I still think we have got a pretty good chance to qualify for the WTC," he said.

India therefore leave Sri Lanka with a series victory and encouraging performances from their younger players, but with frustration over a second Test they had been in control of for much of the contest.