Devdutt Padikkal scored a superb 117 to keep India in the game on a difficult opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday.
India ended the day at 300/5, with Dhruv Jurel on 7 and debutant Saransh Jain on 4.
Padikkal’s 168-ball knock was his second century in as many Tests. Unlike his 167 in Galle, this was a much harder hundred. The Sinhalese Sports Club pitch offered bounce and movement, while the heat and humidity made batting even more difficult.
Padikkal also had some luck early in his innings. He was dropped when he was on 0 and again on 1. He made the most of those chances and stayed at the crease for most of the day.
India had lost KL Rahul early after he scored 24. Rahul had looked solid and even hit Prabath Jayasuriya for a six, but he edged Lahiru Kumara to wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella while attempting a square cut.
Yashasvi Jaiswal then made 45 and looked set for a bigger score. He avoided the cut shot that has caused him problems before and played some good strokes, including two boundaries off Kumara and a fine cover drive against Jayasuriya. Asitha Fernando, however, produced a delivery that came back sharply and went through Jaiswal’s defence.
Padikkal then combined with captain Shubman Gill to steady the innings. The pair added 120 runs for the third wicket. Gill reached his half-century but was dismissed for 50 after edging Fernando behind the stumps.
Rishabh Pant then had to retire hurt after being hit on the forearm by Kumara. He managed only three runs and his departure left India with another problem in the middle order.
Padikkal continued to take the attack on. He reached his half-century from 90 balls and then grew more comfortable at the crease. He dealt with the short balls by getting out of the way or working them around the field, while he used a straight bat against the spinners.
He reached his century by driving Jayasuriya for a four before taking a single two balls later. Padikkal took off his helmet and raised his bat as the Indian dressing room applauded.
Ravindra Jadeja then joined him and the pair added 74 runs for the fourth wicket. Jadeja also took a blow on his forearm from Kumara and was left with a visible swelling. He was eventually bowled by an in-ducker from Fernando for 29.
Padikkal’s resistance finally ended when Keshara Nuwantha went through his defence. By then, however, the Karnataka batter had taken India to a much safer position.
India will start day 2 from 300/5 Dhruv Jurel and debutant Saransh Jain on the crease. The day will start from 10:00AM (IST) onwards.