Devdutt Padikkal continued his sensational form in Sri Lanka, striking a second consecutive Test century to steer India out of early trouble and into a strong position on Day 1 of the second Test in Colombo. Padikkal’s composed 117 anchored the innings after India lost early wickets, lifting the team to 300/5 at stumps despite a late fightback from the hosts and a worry for keeper-batter Rishabh Pant.
Having won the toss and elected to bat on a pitch expected to favor batters early on, India suffered early setbacks. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for a steady start when Asitha Fernando produced a sharp, nipping delivery that yielded an inside edge onto the stumps. KL Rahul followed shortly after, edging a wide delivery from Lahiru Kumara to the wicketkeeper for 18.
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Joined by Shubman Gill, Padikkal steadied the ship with a 120-run partnership for the third wicket. He rode early luck after being dropped on one by Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva at backward point. Padikkal made the hosts pay for the drop, growing into his innings with decisive footwork and strong pull shots off the seamers.
Gill made a fluent 50 but gave his wicket away almost immediately after reaching his milestone, edging Fernando behind. Rishabh Pant’s stay at the crease was cut short after he took a heavy blow to his left forearm from a Kumara short ball, forcing him to retire hurt on three.
Padikkal eventually reached his second Test ton of the tour before off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha bowled him with a delivery that turned away sharply. Padikkal walked off to warm applause, leaving India in a solid position after facing 193 balls with 12 boundaries. Late in the day, the Colombo pitch showed signs of turn, giving Sri Lanka hope as they eye quick wickets on Day 2 against India’s lower order.
