On the second day of the inaugural Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle, Devdutt Padikkal’s exceptional innings of 167 runs stood out as the highlight for the Indian side. Despite a challenging day marred by rain and a spirited comeback from the Sri Lankan bowlers, India concluded proceedings at a strong 460 for 9 wickets. The day’s play saw India lose seven wickets for 172 runs, yet they maintained a commanding lead, setting a formidable total on the board.
The morning session was entirely lost to persistent heavy rain and a waterlogged outfield, causing a significant delay before play could finally commence at 2:35 PM local time. India, having started the day in a dominant position at 288 for 2, managed to extend their score by 172 runs. However, the host nation’s bowlers demonstrated significant resilience and improved their performance in the latter two sessions, preventing India from accelerating further. As stumps were called, Kuldeep Yadav, with 12 not out, and Prasidh Krishna, on 1 not out, were at the crease.
Padikkal, resuming his innings at an unbeaten 131, continued to impress with his stellar performance at the crucial number three batting position. He masterfully completed his maiden Test score exceeding 150 runs, ultimately scoring a magnificent 167 off 230 deliveries, embellished with 15 boundaries and a towering six. This remarkable achievement placed him in an elite group as only the third Indian batsman, alongside Rahul Dravid (177) and Cheteshwar Pujara (153), to score 150 or more against Sri Lanka from the number three spot. His memorable innings came to an end when Prabath Jayasuriya skillfully deceived him with a flighted delivery, leading to a sharp stumping by wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella. Padikkal received a well-deserved standing ovation from the appreciative Galle crowd as he departed, acknowledging one of the finest knocks of the innings.
Following the rain delay, India’s overnight pair could not sustain their momentum for long. Rishabh Pant was the first to depart, falling for 39 runs off 62 balls. His attempt to loft Keshara Nuwantha was mistimed, resulting in a catch by Sonal Dinusha. KL Rahul, who had retired hurt on 77 on the first day due to cramps, returned to the crease but could only add five more runs to his overnight total, eventually being dismissed for 82. Nuwantha’s delivery, which extracted turn and bounce, saw Rahul’s defensive shot land in the hands of Nishan Madhushka at short leg.
Despite these setbacks, the Indian lower order showed commendable resistance. India went into the tea break at 364 for 5, but Sri Lanka continued to make inroads after the interval. Ravindra Jadeja was trapped leg before wicket by Nuwantha for 13, pushing India to six wickets down. However, Dhruv Jurel then stepped up with a valuable counter-attacking innings, scoring 51 off 68 balls, including four fours and a six. Jurel was granted a reprieve on 29 when Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva dropped a challenging catch at first slip. De Silva, however, made amends later with a spectacular catch to dismiss the Indian batsman off Jayasuriya’s bowling. Jurel and Manav Suthar forged a crucial 55-run partnership for the seventh wicket, guiding India past the 400-run mark. Suthar also contributed a useful cameo of 24 runs off 43 balls before being caught at long-on off Jayasuriya.
Sri Lanka’s spin bowlers were instrumental in their fightback, with Jayasuriya emerging as the most effective, concluding the day with figures of 4 wickets for 109 runs from 39 overs. Nuwantha also impressed with his persistent bowling, claiming 3 wickets for 175 runs. Mohammed Siraj was the last wicket to fall, caught by Dhananjaya off Asitha Fernando for 11 runs, leaving India nine down. Despite the late flurry of wickets, India avoided further damage before stumps, with Kuldeep and Prasidh adding an unbeaten 13-run stand. Overall, India will be pleased with their strong position, thanks to Padikkal’s 167, Rahul’s 82, and Jurel’s 51, which have provided a substantial first-innings platform. The valuable contributions from the lower order have brought them close to the impressive 500-run mark, setting a challenging target for Sri Lanka in this Test match.
