Devdutt Padikkal’s century puts India in command on Day 1 of Colombo Test against Sri Lanka

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Devdutt Padikkal produced a classy century to steer India to 300 for 5 at stumps on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club. His composed knock helped India recover from early setbacks on a day that also featured a heated exchange between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando and an injury scare involving Rishabh Pant.

India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bat first, backing his top order to make the most of the conditions. KL Rahul and Jaiswal began cautiously as Sri Lanka’s bowlers extracted movement with the new ball. The opening pair added 37 runs before Lahiru Kumara gave the hosts their first breakthrough, getting Rahul to edge behind for 18. Jaiswal continued to look comfortable, mixing patience with trademark strokeplay, but his promising innings ended on 45.

Fernando produced a superb delivery that swung back sharply to beat Jaiswal’s defence. However, the dismissal was followed by an intense exchange between the batter and bowler. Fernando’s animated send-off drew a response from Jaiswal, with the two players moving towards each other before the umpires stepped in to prevent the situation from escalating.

With India facing pressure after losing both openers, Padikkal walked in and immediately settled into the challenge. The left-hander displayed impressive control, trusting his defence while punishing loose deliveries whenever Sri Lanka strayed from their lines. He found an excellent partner in Gill, and together they rebuilt the innings with a mixture of patience and positive strokeplay. Padikkal gradually shifted through the gears and reached his century in authoritative fashion, turning a difficult start into a commanding position for India.

Gill was equally important to the recovery. The captain played a measured innings and brought up a well-earned half-century before falling shortly before tea. His dismissal prevented India from ending the second session on an even stronger note, but Padikkal remained the central figure in India’s progress.

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The final session brought an unwanted moment for India when Rishabh Pant was struck on his left forearm by a rising delivery from Kumara. Pant immediately showed signs of discomfort and eventually retired hurt, leaving the Indian camp concerned about the extent of the injury and his availability for the remainder of the match.

Sri Lanka sensed an opportunity and fought back strongly in the closing stages. Their bowlers made good use of the second new ball, putting pressure on India’s lower middle order. Fernando emerged as Sri Lanka’s most effective bowler, claiming three wickets. His biggest late success came when he removed the well-set Ravindra Jadeja for 43 shortly before the close.

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