IND vs SL, 2nd Test Day 1 Stumps: Devdutt Padikkal's century powers India to 300/5 against Sri Lanka

India kicked off the second and final Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka on August 23 on a strong note, with Devdutt Padikkal securing the spotlight on the first day. The left-handed batter dropped another batting display, amassing 117 runs to record his second successive hundred of the series.

However, India's strong batting show endured a setback when Rishabh Pant was forced to retire due to an injury. Despite Pant's sad exit, India finished the opening day in a commanding position at 300/5.

Underwhelming start from KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal

India skipper Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bat first against Sri Lanka. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a solid start by adding 37 runs for the first wicket before Rahul lost his wicket after scoring 18 off 33 balls, hitting two fours and a six Devdutt Padikkal then joined Jaiswal and helped India rebuild, but their partnership did not last long as Jaiswal was bowled for a brisk 45 off 53 balls, smashing nine boundaries.

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Jaiswal's dismissal was followed by a heated exchange with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando, briefly raising tensions on the field before the home skipper intervened and defused the situation.

Padikkal's fine form

After Jaiswal's dismissal, Shubman Gill and Devdutt Padikkal controlled India's innings with a strong 120-run stand for the third wicket. Their partnership came to an end when Gill departed for a calm 50 off 108 balls, consisting of six fours, leaving India three down for 207. Rishabh Pant walked in next but his stat was cut short after 15 balls when a hand injury forced him to leave the field. Ravindra Jadeja replaced Pant at the crease and joined Padikkal, who continued to dominate the Sri Lankan side. Eventually, the left-handed batter reached the century mark to register his second consecutive Test hundred and further strengthen India's position.

Padikkal's impressive show at the crease eventually came to an end after he had scored 117 runs from 193 balls, an innings decorated with 12 fours. Nuwantha brought the left-hander's resistance to an end by removing him, bringing Dhruv Jurel to the middle.

Jurel then joined hands with Jadeja to keep India's innings moving before the all-rounder lost his wicket for 43 off 83 balls, having struck four boundaries. Debutant Saransh Jain joined Jurel thereafter and the pair stayed unbeaten at Stumps, taking India to 300/5.