GALLE: India’s Devdutt Padikkal struck an unbeaten 131 as India reached 288 for two at stumps on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Batting first after winning the toss, India made steady progress despite losing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for 32 following a mix-up. Padikkal, recalled as a late replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan, then joined KL Rahul and forged a 150-run partnership for the second wicket.
Padikkal brought up his half-century from 81 balls and continued to dominate the Sri Lankan bowling attack. The left-hander reached his century with a single off debutant spinner Keshara Nuwantha and remained unbeaten on 131 from 178 deliveries, including 12 fours and a six.
Rahul contributed 77 before retiring hurt with cramps shortly after tea. He struck nine fours and a six and is expected to resume his innings on the second day.
India captain Shubman Gill made 16 before being caught at mid-off while attempting to loft spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.
Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 27 at the close, with India finishing the day on 288-2 after rain restricted play to 73 overs.
Jayasuriya was Sri Lanka’s only successful bowler, claiming Gill’s wicket.
Padikkal, who had scored a century in a warm-up match in Colombo last week, impressed India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, who praised the batter for making the most of his opportunity.
Sri Lanka’s fielding coach Jordon Gregory acknowledged that his side had created some chances but failed to capitalise on them, while praising Padikkal for his composed innings.
The match is being played at a landmark venue, with Galle hosting its 50th Test. India have not lost a Test against Sri Lanka since 2015.
Rain forced an early end to play, with the second day scheduled to begin 15 minutes earlier to compensate for lost overs.
