IND vs SL: TIndia strengthened their position in the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, reaching 460 for nine at the close of a rain-affected second day. Devdutt Padikkal produced the defining performance of the innings, scoring a superb 167 to register his maiden Test century and put India in firm control after the visitors resumed on 288 for two.

Padikkal continued his outstanding overnight partnership before finally falling to Prabath Jayasuriya. The left-hander’s 167 came from a commanding display against spin, featuring 15 fours and a six. His dismissal triggered a period of pressure for India as Sri Lanka’s spinners finally found a way to make inroads. Jayasuriya was the pick of the bowlers, finishing the day with four wickets for 109 runs, while debutant Keshara Nuwantha claimed three wickets.

55 overs lost, India added 172 runs

KL Rahul, who had retired hurt with cramps on 77 on the opening day, returned to the crease and continued India’s progress. He fell for 82, missing out on a well-deserved century after edging a Nuwantha delivery to forward short leg. Rishabh Pant then made a brisk 39 before becoming Nuwantha’s first Test wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja contributed 13, while Dhruv Jurel provided valuable lower-order runs with a quick 51. Jurel survived a dropped chance before Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva produced a spectacular catch to end his innings.

Despite losing seven wickets for 172 runs after their strong start, India remained firmly in command. Kuldeep Yadav was unbeaten on 12, with Prasidh Krishna on one when bad weather and fading light brought play to an end. With India only one wicket away from completing their innings, Sri Lanka will need early breakthroughs on the third morning to prevent the visitors from building an imposing first-innings total.

Brief Scores: India 460/9 (Devdutt Padikkal 167, KL Rahul 82, Dhruv Jurel 51; Prabath Jayasuriya 4-109, Keshara Nuwantha 3-175) vs Sri Lanka

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