Devdutt Padikkal produced the standout performance of India’s rain-affected second day against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle, turning a difficult day of interrupted play into a memorable personal milestone. India finished the day on 460 for 9 after 116 overs, firmly in control after choosing to bat first.
Padikkal resumed the second day unbeaten on 131, having already played a major role in India’s strong position at the end of the opening day. However, persistent rain and a wet outfield repeatedly interrupted the morning session. India began the day at 288 for 2, with Padikkal and Rishabh Pant at the crease, but play was frequently delayed by the conditions.
When the players finally returned to the field, Padikkal continued where he had left off. He showed impressive patience and concentration, carefully building his innings while also punishing loose deliveries. His innings eventually reached a magnificent 150 from 215 balls, including 14 fours and a six. It was a commanding display of technique and temperament, particularly considering the stop-start nature of the day.
Padikkal’s innings was more than simply a high score. His 167 runs came from 230 deliveries, with 15 fours and one six, at a strike rate of 72.60. He provided the stability India needed as wickets fell around him. KL Rahul, who had resumed on 77, eventually retired hurt after reaching 82, while captain Shubman Gill was dismissed for 16. Padikkal continued to anchor the innings through these changes.
Sri Lanka eventually found a breakthrough when Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed Padikkal for 167, with Niroshan Dickwella completing the stumping. His dismissal came at 357 for 6, ending an innings that had dominated India’s batting effort across the first two days.
Jayasuriya was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler on the day, finishing with four wickets, while Keshara Nuwantha claimed three. Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka struggled to prevent India from reaching a formidable total. Dhruv Jurel added a valuable 51, while Manav Suthar scored 24 and Mohammed Siraj contributed 11. Kuldeep Yadav remained unbeaten on 12 at stumps alongside Prasidh Krishna on 1.
The interruptions made India’s progress particularly challenging. After reaching 288 for 2 at the close of the first day, India managed to add 172 runs on day two despite losing seven wickets. The team crossed 300 in the 77th over, 350 in the 90th and 400 in the 104th, before eventually reaching 450 in the 114th over.
At stumps, India’s 460 for 9 represented a strong position, but the headline belonged unmistakably to Padikkal. His 167 was an innings built on patience, composure and excellent shot selection. On a day when rain repeatedly disrupted the contest, Padikkal provided the consistency India needed and transformed a difficult batting day into a memorable one. With India only one wicket away from completing their innings, Sri Lanka face a challenging task when play resumes.
Score Summary – Day 2
India: 460/9 (116 overs)
- Devdutt Padikkal: ⭐ 167 (230 balls, 15 fours, 1 six)
- KL Rahul: 82 (175 balls, 10 fours, 1 six)
- Dhruv Jurel: 51 (68 balls, 4 fours, 1 six)
- Rishabh Pant: 39 (62 balls, 4 fours, 1 six)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 32 (37 balls, 5 fours)
- Manav Suthar: 24 (43 balls)
- Shubman Gill: 16 (28 balls)
- Ravindra Jadeja: 13 (25 balls)
- Kuldeep Yadav: 12* (13 balls)
- Mohammed Siraj: 11 (15 balls)
- Prasidh Krishna: 1* (4 balls)
Sri Lanka bowling:
- Prabath Jayasuriya: 4 wickets
- Keshara Nuwantha: 3 wickets
- Asitha Fernando: 1 wicket
