Devdutt Padikkal struck a sublime maiden Test century as India dominated the opening day, reaching 288/2 at Stumps. Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six, while Rishabh Pant was not out on 27 off 36 balls, with two boundaries.
Experienced opener KL Rahul retired hurt on 77 after sharing a 150-run partnership with Padikkal. The Karnataka duo took India firmly in control before Rahul was forced to leave the field after suffering cramps in his arm.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers toiled hard for little reward, with left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya finally making the breakthrough in his 21st over, dismissing India captain Shubman Gill for 16 after the batter attempted a cheeky shot.
The other wicket to fall was that of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was run out for 32 in the first hour of the day after a mix-up with Rahul.
