Devdutt Padikkal struck his second consecutive century as India reached 300 for 5 on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
India established a commanding position in the second and final Test of the series after winning the toss and electing to bat first at the Sinhalese Sports Club. The visitors accumulated 300 runs for the loss of five wickets by stumps on day one, demonstrating strong batting form as they continued to build on their series advantage.
Devdutt Padikkal was the standout performer, scoring 117 runs off 193 deliveries with 12 boundaries. His century marks his second successive three-figure score in the series, following a 167-run innings in the first Test at Galle. Captain Shubman Gill provided steady support with 50 runs, while Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 45. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja added 43 before falling to fast bowler Asitha Fernando, who emerged as Sri Lanka's leading bowler with three wickets for 46 runs. Lahiru Kumara and Keshara Nuwantha took one wicket each.
India approached this match with a 1-0 series lead following their 165-run victory at Galle, where debutant spinner Manav Suthar took 6 for 55 in the second innings. Sri Lanka would need to win in Colombo to level the series, whereas India requires only a draw to secure overall victory. The hosts face additional challenges with key batsmen Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal unavailable for the match.
