India‘s chances of making it to the World Test Championship Final took a massive hit on Thursday. The visiting side saw the Colombo Test match against Sri Lanka end in a draw. The home team batted resolutely as they kept the Indian bowlers at bay on a pitch which didn’t have any demons in it.

The visitors had enforced the follow-on after bowling out the Lankans for just 290 in their first innings.

Shubman Gill defended his bowlers at the end of the game, saying the team tried their best. India bowled 154 overs, with the seamers sending down a total of 33.3 overs, while Manav SutharRavindra Jadeja, and Saransh Jain bowled close to 117 overs.

Gill said, “The team fielded for 250 overs.

We did everything possible, and we can’t make things any different. A lot of positives for us, and we should learn from the opposition. The way they came back, it was tremendous to see. I am very excited, and we have exciting times for us. We need to be consistent with our preparations. So far there have been a lot of positives for us.”

The 26-year-old lauded his batters and said, “Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul were brilliant and batted really well. Our bowlers did well, and Manav Suthar is going to be a key member of the side for years to come.” When asked if he still believed the side can make it to the WTC Final, theIndian captain said: “We will always keep believing and hopefully make it to the final.”

Devdutt Padikkal rues lost chance

Young batter Devdutt Padikkal was named the Player of the Series for his 328 runs. The 26-year-old recorded scores of 167, 44, and 117 at the number three spot.

Padikkal said it would have been better if India had won the game and added that the pitch was a bit similar to the one in Galle but much slower.

When asked what instructions were given to him by the team management, he said, “It takes a lot of clarity, and one needs to have clear plans. You always want to play for India, and have to be ready when the chance comes. I am happy to score runs, but it is important that the team wins.”

India won the series by a 1-0 margin and extended their unbeaten run against the Lankans.

For the home team, there are lots of positives.