Colombo, Aug 2026 : Devdutt Padikkal continued his impressive run in Test cricket with a superb century as India reached 300/5 at stumps on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground on Sunday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, India appeared to be in complete control for much of the day. Padikkal, who scored 117, combined effectively with Ravindra Jadeja to add 74 runs for the fifth wicket in the final session. However, Sri Lanka fought back with the second new ball to claim two late wickets and prevent India from running away with the advantage.
Padikkal's century was his second in consecutive Tests, underlining his growing confidence at the international level. The left-hander survived several anxious moments, having been dropped twice on zero and once later in his innings. He made Sri Lanka pay for the missed opportunities with a technically assured knock.
Cuts were Padikkal's most productive stroke throughout the innings. He repeatedly found gaps behind square and accelerated after reaching his century, earning a warm reception from the Indian dressing room.
His partnership with Jadeja appeared to have placed India in a commanding position before Sri Lanka finally found a breakthrough. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva brought back off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, and the move immediately paid dividends.
Nuwantha delivered a quicker ball at around 91 kmph from around the wicket. Padikkal attempted to defend from the back foot but was beaten by the pace and movement, with the ball crashing into the off stump to end his magnificent innings at 117.
India suffered another setback when wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt after being struck on his left wrist by a sharp bouncer from Lahiru Kumara. Pant was later seen padded up, but his availability for the remainder of the match remained uncertain.
Jadeja, meanwhile, battled through severe cramps in his left arm and required several visits from the Indian team physiotherapist. Despite the discomfort, he remained at the crease and continued to accumulate runs alongside Dhruv Jurel.
The second new ball eventually brought another breakthrough for Sri Lanka. In the 85th over, pacer Asitha Fernando produced an excellent inswinger from around the wicket that breached Jadeja's defence. The Indian all-rounder offered no shot as the ball crashed into his stumps, ending his innings at 43.
Fernando's late strikes gave Sri Lanka renewed hope after India had dominated large portions of the day. The fast bowler finished with three wickets and was the standout performer for the hosts.
Debutant Saransh Jain then opened his account with a late cut through backward point for four. He and Jurel remained unbeaten at the close, with Jain on four and Jurel on seven.
India reached the 300-run mark in the final over before stumps, leaving the visitors well placed to build a substantial first-innings total on Monday. Sri Lanka's bowlers endured demanding conditions in the heat and humidity, but Fernando's late success ensured the hosts ended an absorbing opening day with the contest finely balanced.
Brief scores: India 300/5 in 85 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 117, Shubman Gill 50; Asitha Fernando 3-46, Lahiru Kumara 1-38) against Sri Lanka.
