Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara expressed a sense of disappointment over India captain Shubman Gill’s leadership on Day 4 of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. According to Pujara, Gill went defensive too early in Sri Lanka’s second innings as well. However, India are in a dominant position in the Colombo Test after the conclusion of Day 4 on Wednesday, August 26.

He told Cricinfo: “If you look at the session between lunch and tea, Shubman was tested as a captain. He went defensive too early. That is where he will have to learn going forward. India were a little shocked with Sri Lanka’s counter-attack. This is where you need to show a little more courage. Encourage your bowlers to still pick up wickets rather than go too defensive. Against quality sides, this strategy may not work. I am sure he will learn his lessons going forward.”

READ HERE: Shubman Gill Breaks Silence On ODI Futures Of Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli

After Day 3 of the Colombo Test, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel had admitted that India were pondering on enforcing the follow-on. According to Pujara, India gave Sri Lanka the follow-on only because of the rain and weather conditions in Colombo as well.

“I am sure they must have spoken to the ground staff. There was some rain around. The main reason of them enforcing the follow-on was the rain. If there wasn’t any rain around, I think India would have preferred to bat. But, because they picked up those wickets, the decision does not seem wrong as of now,” Cheteshwar Pujara concluded.