Indian skipper Shubman Gill believes the decision to enforce the follow-on didn’t backfire after the second Test match against Sri Lanka ended in a draw. The hosts were skittled out for 290 runs in the first innings and thus India was able to enforce the follow-on, keeping the weather in mind.

However, Sri Lankan batters came up with a rearguard action on the final day as both team’s players decided to shake hands after the hosts posted 429-9 in the second essay. The home team had a lead of only 16 runs at the end of the fourth day and India needed four wickets to wrap up Sri Lankan innings. But Sonal Dinusha continued his rich form, scoring an unbeaten knock of 133 runs.

Shubman Gill said after the game, “I don’t think follow-on backfired, we fielded for over 250 overs. We were anticipating (rain), wanted to take that chance. Had we not taken and had it rained, you would have asked why no follow on.”

“Sri Lanka played really well. Days 3, 4 and 5 – lbw and bowled was out of equation. We attacked initially but pitch became slower today. There was slow turn. Pitch became easier, we tried our best. On Day 4 we created chances, had wickets come result could’ve been different.”

Gill added he will give full marks to his players for their effort and intent on the final day of the Test match.

“Draw not hurting like a defeat… situation wise, draw was credit to them, we hoped for a win so disappointing. Things always don’t go as per plan, so lot of learnings for me as well as a captain. I give 10/10 for the effort and intent of everyone.”

India won the two-match Test series by 1-0 as they had won the Galle Test by 165 runs.