Devdutt Padikkal’s first international century put India in a strong position on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The left-hander finished unbeaten on 131. India reached 288/2 in 73 overs after rain reduced playing time.
India chose to bat first after winning the toss. They went with two fast bowlers and three spinners. Prasidh Krishna kept his place ahead of Gurnoor Brar. Sri Lanka handed Keshara Nuwantha his Test debut and brought Niroshan Dickwella back into the XI after more than three years.
Yashasvi Jaiswal opened India’s account with a boundary in the first over. KL Rahul needed ten balls to score his first run, which also came as a boundary. Lahiru Kumara struggled with his line as Jaiswal struck him for three boundaries before Rahul added another.
Jaiswal was then dismissed in an unusual run-out. The opener collided with the bowler while returning to the non-striker’s end. Both batters ended up at the same end, leaving Jaiswal short of his crease. His dismissal gave Sri Lanka a chance to strike again.
Padikkal Grabs His Chance
Padikkal took full advantage of his opportunity in the absence of Sai Sudharsan. He started his innings with a boundary from his first delivery. The left-hander then charged at Prabath Jayasuriya and hit him over long-on for six. Sri Lanka quickly pushed the mid-on fielder closer to the boundary.
Rahul also attacked Jayasuriya after spending time at the crease. He launched the spinner for a six as the Karnataka pair settled into a strong partnership. Padikkal soon moved ahead of Rahul in the scoring charts as India kept control of the innings.
Rain Delays Second Session
Rain prevented play from restarting immediately after lunch. More than an hour was lost before the players returned at 2 PM local time. Rahul and Padikkal started the second session with caution before finding their rhythm again.
Rahul brought up another boundary with a cut through cover-point. Padikkal had already crossed fifty and struck Jayasuriya through cover. The pair continued to frustrate Sri Lanka as the bowlers struggled to create chances.
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Rahul Retires Hurt
Sri Lanka tried several bowling changes but could not break the partnership. Rahul also reached his half-century as the two Karnataka batters moved India towards a big total. The pair remained together through the session despite Rahul beginning to show signs of cramp.
Rahul eventually left the field after the Tea break when he struggled while trying to return to the pitch. His departure did not affect Padikkal’s progress. The left-hander moved into the 90s with back-to-back boundaries before completing his maiden international century.
Gill Falls After Promising Start
Shubman Gill looked comfortable after coming to the crease. The Indian captain played a couple of impressive cover drives and appeared ready to build another partnership. Jayasuriya finally got his reward after a long spell of work.
Gill tried to hit the spinner for a big shot but failed to make proper contact. The ball turned sharply after pitching and took the wicket of the Indian captain. India lost their second wicket, but they remained firmly in control.
Pant Adds More Runs
Another spell of rain stopped play for around 20 minutes. India returned with an attacking approach after the restart. Rishabh Pant initially found it difficult to score freely before finding the boundary against Nuwantha.
Padikkal then added two more boundaries against the same bowler in the following over. Pant soon took on Jayasuriya and struck the spinner for a six and a four. Sri Lanka continued to concede runs as the final overs of the day progressed.
India End Day One on Top
Pant and Padikkal added more than 50 runs for their partnership before stumps. Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131 and was the standout performer on a day when India dominated large periods of play.
Rain remained a major factor throughout the opening day, but Sri Lanka struggled to make the most of their bowling opportunities. India finished at 288/2 from 73 overs and will look to build a much bigger first-innings total on the second day.
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