27 August,2026 08:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Devdutt Padikkal (Pic: PTI)
Indian top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal voiced his disappointment following the end of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club, saying that securing a victory would have provided a much better outcome. Sri Lanka mounted a historic fightback to hold India to a draw, with Sonal Dinusha scoring a magnificent unbeaten 133.
Despite the draw in Colombo, India claimed the overall series 1-0 thanks to their 165-run victory in the opening match.
Padikkal earned Player of the Series honours after a sensational campaign, accumulating 328 runs across two Tests at an impressive average of 109.33, including two centuries. Speaking after the match, Padikkal shared his thoughts on the outcome of the second Test match.
"Would have been better if we won this game. It was quite similar, to be honest, it was slow here as well. Takes a lot of clarity, you need to have clear plans. There are plans in the dressing room, and everyone came up with their own plans. You always want to play and represent your country. You have to make sure you have to be ready for the opportunity. That's a part of the game, you got to forget that as fast as possible. You've got to move on to the next ball, that's what I tried to do. I am happy to score runs, doesn't matter. The team must win. A lot of work to do, it's a young side, and everyone is really hungry. I am sure we will continue to improve," Padikkal said after the match.
Having enforced the follow-on after establishing a 213-run lead in the first innings, India was unable to dismiss Sri Lanka a second time as the hosts batted out 154 overs to reach 429/9. The fightback marked only the eighth occasion in Test history where Sri Lanka successfully gained a lead after being made to follow on. Their final 216-run lead broke their previous record of 178 runs set against England at Lord's in 2006.
The achievement was more special considering Sri Lanka had lost 24 of their previous 27 Tests after following on, including all eight prior instances against India.
