‘Should have done better’: Pujara criticises India bowler after Galle Test Day 3

Former India player Cheteshwar Pujara expressed disappointment with India's bowling on the third day of the rain-interrupted Test match between India and Sri Lanka in Galle. After India closed their first innings at 462 in the first over, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 262. Despite dismissing the hosts five down for 90, India faced a setback due to a resilient sixth-wicket partnership between Sonal Dinusha and wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella.

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the standout bowler with four wickets for 62 runs. However, Pujara criticized wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, stating that he was not incisive during his spells. Kuldeep conceded 65 runs at 4.64 runs per over and managed only a single wicket. Pujara suggested that the team should have focused more on stumps rather than going wide of off stump.

He also pointed out that the strong partnership between Dinusha and Dickwella hindered the spin trio of Suthar, Kuldeep, and Ravindra Jadeja. The spinners struggled to dominate left-handers, who were adept at sweeping and reverse-sweeping. Once the ball got softer, the spinners found it difficult to generate pace and nip off the pitch.

Kuldeep's sole wicket was that of left-hander Kamindu Mendis, who was caught by Shubman Gill at cover off a spectacular diving effort. India went on to dismiss Sri Lanka for 284, securing a 178-run first-innings lead before heavy rain forced early stumps.