Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has sharply criticised the national team’s tactical application and lack of competitive fire after India failed to convert a dominant position into victory during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Despite enforcing the follow-on, India were held to a draw, a result that Kaif attributed directly to a lack of psychological pressure and leadership intensity on the field.
India had taken firm control of the match early on, declaring their first innings at a commanding 503 for nine, built on resolute centuries from Devdutt Padikkal (117) and Dhruv Jurel (115 not out). In response, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 290 in their first attempt, largely due to a fighting 103 from left-handed batter Dinusha. Holding a comprehensive 213-run lead, Indian captain Shubman Gill enforced the follow-on, seeking to wrap up a clean sweep following India’s victory in the first Test at Galle.
However, the home side mounted a stubborn second-innings resistance, anchored once again by Dinusha, who struck an unbeaten 133 to guide Sri Lanka to safety and secure a draw. Despite the stalemate in Colombo, India claimed the two-match series 1-0 thanks to their prior triumph in Galle.
Reflecting on the match, Kaif, who represented India in 138 international fixtures, voiced deep disappointment over how the team handled key moments in the field. He argued that the current lineup, featuring young stalwarts like Gill and KL Rahul, adopted a passive mindset, assuming that spin-friendly conditions would automatically yield wickets without sustained aggression.
“Test cricket is not for everyone,” Kaif remarked while assessing the performance. “It is a long format; you have to keep bowling relentlessly. I felt at times we took things lightly, thinking, ‘Let us just keep bowling and it will happen. The ball is turning a lot, so wickets will fall on their own.'”
Kaif pointed to the absence of seasoned personalities such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, and Ravichandran Ashwin, noting that their vocal presence and psychological tactics often proved decisive in breaking resilient partnerships. He highlighted the failure to disrupt Dinusha’s concentration as a crucial tactical oversight.
According to Kaif, world-class opposition leaders maintain non-stop intensity through sledging and aggressive field placements to unnerve opposition batters. He noted that had someone like Kohli been on the field, he would have remained vocal throughout, constantly motivating the bowlers and creating a hostile atmosphere for the opposition. In Kaif’s view, the lack of such pressure allowed Sri Lanka’s middle order to bat comfortably through the closing stages of the Test.
