India rode on Devdutt Padikkal's Independence Day century to end Day 1 of the rain-marred first Test against Sri Lanka at a commanding 288/2 in Galle.
Devdutt Padikkal stands tall with maiden ton in Galle
After winning the toss and opting to bat, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (32) and KL Rahul (77) built a solid 47-run start before Jaiswal was unluckily run out following a mix-up. Coming in at No. 3, Devdutt Padikkal anchored the innings brilliantly. He brought up his maiden Test century off just 134 balls, becoming only the second Indian left-hander to score a Test hundred from the number three position this century. KL Rahul looked immaculate in a 150-run partnership with Padikkal but was forced to retire hurt on 77 ahead of the third session after suffering severe forearm cramps. Skipper Shubman Gill stepped in following Rahul's exit, contributing 16 before falling to Prabath Jayasuriya. Padikkal continued to pile on the runs alongside Rishabh Pant as India easily controlled the day's play, moving well past the 250-mark with only two wickets down before weather interruptions.
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India structured their bowling attack around two seamers and three spinners, favoring Prasidh Krishna in the playing XI over Gurnoor Brar. Sri Lanka also unveiled a revamped lineup, presenting a Test debut to Keshara Nuwantha alongside the return of Niroshan Dickwella, who made his first appearance in the format in over three years.
Yashasvi Jaiswal's hapless run-out
The visitors' opening pair launched the innings at contrasting tempos. While Yashasvi Jaiswal found the fence in the very first over, KL Rahul took ten balls to get off the mark before breaking his duck with a four. Together, they put early pressure on Lahiru Kumara, taking four boundaries off his opening spell and forcing the Sri Lankan captain into a premature bowling change.
An uncalculated mix-up cut Jaiswal's promising start short when a collision with the bowler left both openers stranded at the non-striker's end, resulting in a chaotic run-out. However, the unexpected breakthrough failed to shift the momentum. Stepping into the number three spot in place of the injured Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal immediately took charge. The Karnataka batter dispatched his very first ball to the rope and soon hoisted Prabath Jayasuriya over long-on for a massive six, forcing Sri Lanka to push back their infielders early into his stay.
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KL Rahul gives India injury scare after getting retired hurt
India maintained total control on Day 1 as both Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul settled into a punishing rhythm against Sri Lanka’s attack. Match momentum briefly paused when a heavy downpour delayed the post-lunch restart by over an hour, but the delay failed to disrupt the Karnataka duo's composure. Upon returning at 2 PM local time, Padikkal quickly notched his half-century and outstripped his senior partner, while Rahul broke the shackles against Prabath Jayasuriya with a majestic six before reaching his own fifty. The pair motored along effortlessly, draining the hosts' bowling options until forearm cramps forced Rahul off the field just after the Tea interval.
Rahul's premature exit did nothing to slow Padikkal’s march toward history. The 26-year-old launched into the 90s with consecutive boundaries before comfortably bringing up his maiden Test century. Indian skipper Shubman Gill looked set to capitalize on the ideal conditions with a couple of elegant cover drives, but Jayasuriya finally brought relief to Sri Lanka by extracting enough turn to force a mis-timed big hit, catching Gill off-guard for 16.
Even a late 20-minute rain delay couldn't stem the tide of runs before stumps. Joining Padikkal in the middle, Rishabh Pant survived a watchful start before unleashing his trademark aggression against Jayasuriya and debutant Keshara Nuwantha. With Padikkal continuing to pick off boundaries at will, the unbroken third-wicket pair added over 50 rapid runs, capping off a thoroughly dominant opening day for the visitors.