Padikkal’s Century Leads India to 288 for 2 Against Sri Lanka

In a rain-affected first day of the Test, India scored 288 runs for the loss of two wickets, marking a significant moment as Devdutt Padikkal returned to the team with an unbeaten 131 off 178 balls. This innings ended India’s 20-match wait for a century from the number three position. At the other end, Shubman Gill, India’s last centurion at No. 3, contributed to the strong opening alongside Padikkal.

The day was marred by two rain interruptions, limiting play to 73 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the only dismissal earlier in the innings, run out for 32, while KL Rahul, who scored 77, retired hurt due to a forearm cramp.

Despite a flat pitch expected to favor batters, Sri Lanka’s spinners found some turn, particularly in the second hour and towards the end of the session, raising concerns for the visiting team as the match progresses. Sri Lanka has struggled against India in recent home Tests, having lost their last five encounters.

Winning only his third toss in nine Tests, Gill opted to bat first on a track that offered no movement for the new ball. The only wicket of the day came when Rahul, attempting a single off debutant offspinner Keshara Nuwantha, collided with Jaiswal, resulting in an easy run-out opportunity for wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella, who returned to the team after a three-year absence.

Padikkal, making his comeback after two years, capitalized on better conditions this time. He scored quickly, amassing 21 runs within his first 23 balls, even managing to hit a six. His approach mixed aggression with caution, countering Sri Lanka’s spin attack effectively. In contrast, Rahul utilized a familiar strategy against spin, focusing on straight deliveries to avoid chasing turning balls, and also cleared the boundary against Prabath Jayasuriya.

Nuwantha, while inconsistent, created chances by luring both Rahul and Padikkal into false strokes, but fell short of securing a wicket despite generating 18 false shots. His figures after 21 overs stood at 98 runs, displaying both potential and challenges.

As the innings progressed, Rahul’s arm cramp intensified, resulting in a shift in his scoring urgency. He attempted to continue after the tea break but struggled to hold the bat properly and was replaced by Gill, who also couldn’t maintain his composure against Jayasuriya, departing for 16 after showing glimpses of promise with two stylish cover drives.

Padikkal, eager to make his presence felt, fashioned a maiden Test century amid the prevailing conditions, which allowed spin to turn between 3.8 and 4.5 degrees across various sessions. As rain disrupted the game further, the partnership between Padikkal and Rishabh Pant added 48 runs, showcasing the spinners’ inconsistent length control, which will likely impact Sri Lanka as they move deeper into the match.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn