Xplorich
Devdutt Padikkal continued his impressive run of form by scoring his second Test century against Sri Lanka, earning praise from former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan. Padikkal made 117 off 193 balls as India finished the opening day of the second Test at 300-5.“Devdutt Padikkal is giving a much-needed boost to this number 3 spot for Team India in Test cricket. He is pleasing to the eye when he bats,” Irfan Pathan wrote on X.
Padikkal anchors India’s innings
Padikkal overcame an early scare after Sri Lanka dropped two difficult catches soon after he arrived at the crease. He then settled down and played a patient innings, spending nearly five hours at the crease and hitting 12 boundaries.He added 120 runs for the third wicket with captain Shubman Gill and another 74 with Ravindra Jadeja. Gill scored 50 before being caught behind, while Jadeja made 43 before being bowled by Asitha Fernando.Padikkal was eventually dismissed by off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, but his innings helped India recover strongly after losing Yashaswi Jaiswal and KL Rahul early. Jaiswal made 45, while Rahul scored 18.
India in control despite Pant injury
India lost Rishabh Pant after he was hit on the forearm while attempting a pull shot and was forced to retire hurt. Fernando was Sri Lanka’s best bowler with three wickets for 46 runs.India, who won the first Test in Galle by 165 runs, are looking to seal the two-match series. Sri Lanka made changes to their squad, with Pasindu Sooriyabandara retaining his place and Kamil Mishara making his Test debut.India also handed a debut to spin-bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain, who replaced Kuldeep Yadav. Jain has taken 188 wickets and scored 2,223 runs in first-class cricket.
