Devdutt Padikkal produced a magnificent 167 as India reached 460 for nine at stumps on Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Resuming at 288 for two, India initially looked set for a massive total, but Sri Lanka’s spinners fought back strongly after rain delayed the start until 2:35 pm. India lost seven wickets for 172 runs during the day.
Padikkal, who resumed on 131, continued his impressive innings and brought up his maiden Test 150 in 215 balls. His composed knock ended when left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya deceived him in flight, with wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella completing the catch.
Rishabh Pant was dismissed for 39 after attempting an aggressive shot against off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, while KL Rahul, who had retired hurt on 77 due to cramps on Day 1, returned but added only four runs before falling to Nuwantha.
India slipped to 377 for six after Ravindra Jadeja was trapped lbw. However, Dhruv Jurel stepped up with a fluent 52, ending a prolonged run of low scores. He shared a 55-run partnership with Manav Suthar, who contributed a valuable 24.
Jurel was eventually dismissed by Jayasuriya, while Suthar and Mohammad Siraj added important runs towards the end.
At stumps, Kuldeep Yadav was unbeaten on 12 and Prasidh Krishna on one. Sri Lanka’s bowlers improved considerably compared to Day 1, although pacers Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando struggled to make an impact.
India remain in a strong position with a substantial first-innings total.
