India reached 460 for nine on a rain-affected second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, with opener Devdutt Padikkal scoring 167 in only his third Test appearance.
India established a commanding position in the opening Test match against Sri Lanka despite weather interruptions limiting play to 43 overs on the second day in Galle. The visiting team accumulated 460 for nine wickets, with left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal delivering a dominant performance that underlined India's control of the contest.
Padikkal, who replaced the injured Sai Sudharsan, continued his strong form from the opening day when he became the first Indian number three to score a Test century in 35 innings. Resuming at 131, he extended his innings to 167 before being stumped by spinner Prabath Jayasuriya off the bowling of Keshara Nuwantha. During his five-and-a-half hour stay, Padikkal faced 230 deliveries and struck 15 fours and one six, displaying assured batting throughout. His total ranks as the fourth highest score by an Indian batter on Sri Lankan soil, following Sachin Tendulkar's 203, Virender Sehwag's unbeaten 201, and Shikhar Dhawan's 190.
Sri Lanka's spinners emerged as the primary threat once play resumed in the afternoon following a washed-out morning session. Nuwantha took two wickets, dismissing Rishabh Pant and K.L. Rahul for 82, while Jayasuriya claimed Padikkal's scalp. The two spinners collectively accounted for seven wickets. Dhruv Jurel provided crucial runs with a half-century at number six, adding 55 with Manav Suthar's 24 to maintain India's momentum after Padikkal's departure.
With Galle's surface traditionally becoming increasingly difficult for batting as matches progress, spin bowling is expected to assume greater prominence in the remaining three days. India's substantial first-innings total positions them favourably, though Sri Lanka will face considerable challenges when they take their turn with the bat. Play will commence 15 minutes early on day three in efforts to compensate for lost time.
