India head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded his team’s character and resilience after India secured a 1-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka. Shubman Gill’s side won the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs before Sri Lanka produced a determined fightback in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.
Despite enforcing the follow-on, India could not force another victory as Sri Lanka held on for a draw. Sonal Dinusha emerged as the standout performer for the hosts, scoring his second century of the match and remaining unbeaten as Sri Lanka successfully avoided defeat.
Gautam Gambhir praises India’s mental resilience
Following the conclusion of the second Test, Gambhir took to social media to praise his players for showing the character required to compete in the longest format. The India head coach also acknowledged Dinusha’s outstanding effort with the bat.
“Test cricket needs character, patience and mental toughness that’s shown by our boys! Special shoutout to Sonal Dinusha for his exceptional performance!”
Gambhir’s message came after India had dominated large portions of the series. The visitors produced a commanding performance in Galle to take a 1-0 lead, but Sri Lanka refused to surrender in the second Test despite being put under significant pressure.
Test cricket needs character, patience and mental toughness that’s shown by our boys! Special shoutout to Sonal Dinusha for his exceptional performance! pic.twitter.com/zu8pNKt5pU
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 28, 2026
Sonal Dinusha stars as Sri Lanka force a draw
Dinusha was at the heart of Sri Lanka’s resistance in Colombo. After scoring 103 in the first innings, he produced another magnificent knock in the second innings, remaining unbeaten on 133 from 264 deliveries with eight fours and two sixes. His century came after Sri Lanka were asked to follow on, making him only the third batter in Test history to score centuries in both innings after his team had been forced to follow on.
Vijay Hazare and Andy Flower are the only other players to have achieved the feat. Dinusha also finished the series as Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer with 420 runs from four innings. His performances proved crucial in helping the hosts avoid a series whitewash, while India ultimately returned home with a 1-0 series victory.
