Devdutt Padikkal is fast turning into the story of this series, and he added another chapter to it on Sunday. Batting first after Shubman Gill chose to bat at the toss, India rode a gritty 117 off 193 balls from Padikkal to close Day 1 of the second Test in Colombo at 300 for 5, a total that carries far more weight than the number itself once you account for how the day actually unfolded. It was not a smooth ride. India lost early wickets, weathered a genuinely fiery spell from the Sri Lankan pace attack, and still walked off with the honours of the day thanks to one batter who simply refused to let go of his innings.
Padikkal Backs Up Galle Century With Another Fighting Hundred
This was Padikkal’s second consecutive Test century, coming right on the back of his 167 in Galle, and the manner of this one told its own story. Where the Galle innings was fluent and commanding, this one in Colombo was built on patience and repeated small battles won against the new ball and a sharp Sri Lankan attack. He worked the gaps, left anything wide of off stump, and simply refused to give his wicket away, grinding out 193 balls for his 117.
The moment he raised his bat, brought up with a nudge into the leg side, the visiting dressing room stood up as one. It was the kind of celebration reserved for a player who has answered every question asked of him twice in a row now, and few in the ground missed the significance of back-to-back centuries on a tour where Sri Lanka desperately needed something to go their way.
Gill and Padikkal Rebuild With Crucial 120-Run Stand
India’s morning did not go to plan. Yashasvi Jaiswal gave the innings early momentum with a brisk 45 at the top, but once he departed the innings needed steadying, and that is exactly what captain Shubman Gill and Padikkal delivered. Gill, walking out with the extra responsibility of leading from the front, played his part with a composed fifty, and the pair put on 120 runs together to drag India out of early trouble and back into a position of control.
Gill’s dismissal broke the partnership but not India’s momentum. Ravindra Jadeja walked in and added a valuable 43, keeping the scoreboard ticking while Padikkal held one end together, absorbing pressure and rotating strike whenever the boundary was not on offer.
Rishabh Pant Retires Hurt After Painful Blow From Lahiru Kumara
The day took a worrying turn late in the session when Rishabh Pant, playing his shots with typical intent, was struck flush on the wrist by a sharp delivery from Lahiru Kumara. Pant immediately signalled his discomfort and had to retire hurt, leaving the India camp waiting anxiously on scans and update, and leaving fans wondering just how much the injury could cost the side over the remaining four days.
With Pant off the field, Dhruv Jurel walked in to steady things alongside Saransh Jain, and the two saw out the final overs of the day unbeaten, ensuring India did not lose further ground before stumps.
Sri Lanka Fight Back With the Ball as Asitha Fernando Impresses
It was not a one-sided day by any means. Asitha Fernando was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, troubling India’s top order with movement off the seam and picking up key wickets, including that of Jadeja, to keep the hosts in the contest. There was also a heated moment out in the middle when Jaiswal and Fernando exchanged words during a tense passage of play, adding an extra edge to a day that already had plenty of drama packed into it.
What Day 2 Holds for India and Sri Lanka in Colombo
India will resume Day 2 at 300 for 5, with Jurel and Saransh Jain at the crease and a real chance to push the total well past 400 if the lower order can bat with the same discipline Padikkal showed through the day. For Sri Lanka, containing India’s tail and getting early breakthroughs will be crucial if they are to avoid falling further behind in a Test they must win to keep the series alive. Vegas11 News will carry live session-by-session updates from Colombo through the remainder of the Test, including the latest on Pant’s fitness and how the pitch behaves as the game progresses.