Wasim Jaffer, a former batter for India, examined the game and suggested that India’s strategy had an impact on the result. Wasim Jaffer believed that the Indian team’s strategy on the last day might have worked against them as they chased the final wickets required to win.
In the second Test, which took place in Colombo from August 23–27, 2026, Sri Lanka managed to hold on for a draw, preventing India from winning on the last day. Following on, the hosts were declared at 429 for 9 in their second innings, with Sonal Dinusha anchoring the resistance with an undefeated 133. Sri Lanka’s batting performance stopped India from taking the four wickets they needed to win.
Sri Lanka’s escape is anchored by Dinusha’s undefeated century.
Sri Lanka’s escape was made possible by Dinusha’s century in the second innings. The player batted across a total of 426 balls, scoring 103 in the first inning and 133 not out in the second. He was named Player of the Match for his undefeated knock. Lahiru Kumara also contributed to the resistance, and Keshara Nuwantha made a courageous 46 off 150 balls with four boundaries.
Wasim Jaffer highlights defensiveness and complacency.
Additionally, Wasim Jaffer noted that India’s energy levels seemed low at the beginning of the last day, which might have had an impact on their level of effort on the pitch. The former hitter observed that rather than actively trying to get rid of the batters, the Indian team appeared to be waiting for wickets to fall. Jaffer claims that Sri Lanka had solidified their position by the time India’s aggressiveness escalated.
From August 15–19, 2026, India won the first Test at Galle by 165 runs, securing the two-match series 1-0. Although they kept the trophy, India was unable to maintain their series lead due to the second Test draw.
