India’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo ended in a draw despite Team India dominating the match for most of the first four days.
India declared at 503/9 before bowling Sri Lanka out for 290 and enforcing the follow on. But Sonal Dinusha’s century and Sri Lanka’s lower order resistance frustrated India on Day 5.
Sri Lanka eventually declared at 429/9, leaving India with little time to chase the target. The match ended in a draw, with India winning the two match series 1-0.
Former India batter Mohammed Kaif believes India missed the energy and intensity of Virat Kohli on the final day.
Playing Tests isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, boss. It’s a very long game and you have to keep bowling continuously.
I felt that if someone like Virat Kohli had been playing this match, he would have been constantly shouting and keeping his team switched on, Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
Kaif felt India were waiting for the wickets instead of creating pressure themselves. We created very few things ourselves. Our energy levels were also very low, he added.
He also questioned India’s approach against Sri Lanka’s lower order, who continued to survive despite India needing wickets. Kohli retired from Test cricket last year after leading India to 40 wins in 68 Tests.
India won the series, but the Colombo draw has raised serious questions over their Day 5 intensity and ability to finish Tests from winning positions.
