Former India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara gave his opinion on how skipper Shubman Gill led the team during a crucial part of the game. Between lunch and tea, when Sri Lanka’s batting response presented India with a unique challenge, Cheteshwar Pujara looked at Gill’s decision-making.
On Wednesday, August 26, the second Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo reached Day 4. After dismissing Sri Lanka in their opening innings, India enforced the follow-on. The day’s play ended early due to rain, with Sri Lanka at 229 for 6 and a narrow 16-run lead.
Why Cheteshwar Pujara thought Gill became defensive too soon
Gill’s tactical decisions during a particular stage of play when Sri Lanka established a potent batting comeback were the focus of Cheteshwar Pujara criticism. The former India batter felt that instead of adopting a defensive mindset, the skipper ought to have continued to bowl more aggressively. Pujara believed that this early defensive change might be expensive in subsequent Test matches against strong opponents.
Pujara was optimistic that Gill will grow from the experience and improve as captain going forward. This session’s tactical lesson would influence Gill’s future decision-making under pressure.
How the weather affected India’s subsequent choice
Pujara also discussed his thoughts on India’s choice to impose the follow-on. He clarified that the decision was heavily influenced by the weather. Pujara pointed out that before deciding to ask Sri Lanka to bat again, India’s ground crew would have evaluated the likelihood of rain.
