India lost KL Rahul after making a steady start to the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday. India moved to 37 for one after the opening partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rahul showed signs of settling into the innings.
Rahul looked increasingly comfortable after a cautious beginning but was eventually dismissed by Lahiru Kumara, giving Sri Lanka their first breakthrough of the day.
India had begun cautiously against Sri Lanka’s pace attack, with Jaiswal looking to score while Rahul initially struggled to get off the mark. Rahul finally opened his account with a well-timed drive through the cover region, showing signs that he was beginning to find his rhythm. Jaiswal, meanwhile, displayed patience outside the off-stump and avoided several deliveries that could have tempted him into risky strokes.
The Indian openers gradually increased the scoring rate as the innings progressed. Jaiswal produced a crisp drive when Prabath Jayasuriya bowled too full, sending the ball away for four. Rahul then joined the attack against the spinner, stepping down the pitch and striking a six straight back over the bowler. The sequence helped India reach 31 without loss after 10 overs and gave the visitors a strong platform in the early stages.
Sri Lanka had initially relied on their fast bowlers, with Lahiru Kumara finding some movement from the surface. There appeared to be more assistance for the seamers than during the first Test in Galle, with the pitch offering some movement through the air. Sri Lanka nevertheless introduced Jayasuriya relatively early, bringing spin into the attack despite the conditions offering encouragement to the pacers.
Rahul’s dismissal changed the momentum of the opening session. The right-hander had scored 11 runs and appeared to have settled after his cautious beginning, but Kumara eventually found a way through his defence. With Rahul back in the pavilion, India were left to rebuild through Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal, who was expected to continue his recent good form. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 19 as India looked to consolidate after the early setback.
The second Test is an important opportunity for both sides as India look to build on their campaign in the series and Sri Lanka attempt to put pressure on the visitors in home conditions. The Colombo surface has already shown some movement for the seamers while also bringing spin into play. With Rahul dismissed and India’s middle order set to face Sri Lanka’s attack, the next phase of the innings could prove crucial in determining whether India can turn their encouraging start into a substantial first-innings total.