Padikkal Century Puts India in Control Against Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: (Sports Desk) – Devdutt Padikkal continued his impressive run with the bat, scoring a superb 117, as India reached 300-5 at stumps on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday.

Padikkal, who was brought into the squad as a late injury replacement, had already made a major impact in the opening Test in Galle. He scored 167 and 44 in that match and was named Player of the Match as India secured a 165-run victory.

The left-hander followed that performance with another century, although he was given two early reprieves after India chose to bat first.

Padikkal was dropped by Sonal Dinusha at backward point before scoring, then survived another chance on two runs when Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva failed to hold a catch at slip.

He went on to build a crucial 120-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill for the third wicket, putting India in a commanding position before off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha eventually dismissed him.

With Gill now batting at No. 4 after taking over the captaincy, India have been searching for a reliable option at No. 3. Padikkal’s performances during the series have strengthened his case for the position.

Sri Lankan seamer Asitha Fernando was the hosts’ most successful bowler, finishing the day with figures of 3-46.

Fernando dismissed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for 43 during the morning session, with the wicket followed by a heated exchange between the batter and bowler.

The fast bowler struck again to remove Gill after the Indian captain edged a delivery moving away from him through to the wicketkeeper.

Fernando completed another important breakthrough with the second new ball, bowling Ravindra Jadeja to leave India five wickets down.

Debutant off-spinner Saransh Jain remained unbeaten on four, while Dhruv Jurel was not out on seven at the close.

India also suffered a concern when wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was hit on his left forearm while attempting a pull shot against Lahiru Kumara. He subsequently retired hurt.

Only 85 of the scheduled 90 overs could be completed on the opening day.

Sri Lanka handed opener Kamil Mishara his Test debut, replacing Nishan Fernando in the playing XI. Pasindu Sooriyabandara also made his first appearance in the starting lineup after previously featuring as a concussion substitute for Dinesh Chandimal during the opening Test.