Devdutt Padikkal continued his remarkable form with a composed and determined 117 as India reached a solid 300 for 5 on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on August 23, 2026. The left-hander’s second consecutive Test century anchored the innings after early setbacks, allowing the visitors to seize the initiative on a hot and humid day. At stumps, Dhruv Jurel (7 not out) and debutant Saransh Jain (4 not out) were at the crease.
The Sony LIV highlights package captures Padikkal’s disciplined approach, the key partnerships that rebuilt the innings, and the moments of fortune that shaped a hard-fought day of Test cricket.
Padikkal’s Masterful 117 Puts India Firmly in Control on Day 1 of Second Test Against Sri Lanka
Early Wobbles and Early Luck
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first, seeking to build on the series lead secured in Galle. The start, however, was far from smooth. KL Rahul fell for 18, caught behind off Lahiru Kumara, leaving India at 37 for 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal looked positive in making 45 before becoming Asitha Fernando’s first victim of the day.
Padikkal walked in at 37 for 1 and was immediately given two crucial reprieves. He was dropped on zero at backward point and again on 1 when Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva shelled a chance at slip. Those missed opportunities proved costly for the hosts. Padikkal settled into a rhythm, leaving well outside off stump and rotating the strike intelligently on a surface that offered bounce and some assistance to the seamers.
Stabilising Partnerships Define the Day
The turning point came through a 120-run third-wicket stand between Padikkal and skipper Shubman Gill. Gill played with typical fluency, reaching a half-century before falling for 50, caught behind off Fernando. By then, India had recovered to a more comfortable position.
Rishabh Pant arrived at the crease but was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the forearm by a sharp short delivery from Kumara. The injury added another layer of difficulty for India. Ravindra Jadeja joined Padikkal, and the pair added a valuable 74 runs for the fourth wicket. Jadeja contributed a useful 43 before Fernando claimed his third wicket of the innings.
Padikkal’s innings was a study in application rather than flamboyance. He reached his fifty off 90 balls and brought up his century with a drive and a single off Prabath Jayasuriya. The celebration was measured — helmet off, bat raised — before he refocused on the task. He was eventually dismissed for 117, bowled by a quicker delivery from Keshara Nuwantha that beat his defensive push. The innings spanned 193 balls and included 12 boundaries.
Scorecard Snapshot – Day 1
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 45 | 53 | Positive start before falling to Fernando |
| KL Rahul | 18 | 33 | Early dismissal |
| Devdutt Padikkal | 117 | 193 | Century, two early drops, match-defining |
| Shubman Gill | 50 | – | 120-run stand with Padikkal |
| Rishabh Pant | 3 | – | Retired hurt (forearm) |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 43 | – | 74-run stand with Padikkal |
| Dhruv Jurel | 7* | – | Unbeaten at stumps |
| Saransh Jain | 4* | – | Debut, unbeaten |
India 300/5 in 85 overs
Bowling: Asitha Fernando 3/46, Lahiru Kumara 1/38, Keshara Nuwantha 1/93
Sri Lanka’s Toil and India’s Platform
Sri Lanka’s bowlers worked hard in challenging conditions. Fernando was the standout with three wickets, while Kumara generated awkward bounce that troubled the Indian middle order. The hosts will regret the early dropped catches that allowed Padikkal to settle and dominate large parts of the day.
For India, the total of 300 for 5 represents a strong platform. Padikkal’s second hundred in consecutive Tests — following his 167 in Galle — has cemented his claim as a reliable No. 3. His ability to absorb pressure, capitalise on opportunities, and bat long has been a feature of this series.
Looking Ahead
India will resume on Day 2 with five wickets still in hand and the opportunity to push towards a formidable first-innings total. The lower order, including the remaining specialist batters and the all-rounders, will look to build on the foundation laid by Padikkal and Gill. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need early breakthroughs with the second new ball and disciplined bowling to restrict India and stay competitive in the match.
The Sony LIV highlights effectively showcase the key phases of the day: the early Indian setbacks, Padikkal’s composed response, the important partnerships, Pant’s unfortunate injury, and the late Sri Lankan fightback. It was a day that belonged to Devdutt Padikkal, whose 117 has put India firmly in control of the second Test and strengthened their position in the series.
As the contest unfolds further in Colombo, India’s batters will aim to convert this solid start into a match-defining total, while Sri Lanka will search for ways to claw back into the game.
