India finished Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at 300/5 in Colombo. But once again, Devdutt Padikkal was the main talking point.
Devdutt Padikkal scored 117 runs off 193 balls, hitting 12 fours. It was his second straight century after his 167 in the first Test in Galle.
India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul early after captain Shubman Gill chose to bat first. Jaiswal scored 45, while Rahul made 18. India went to lunch at 88/2.
Devdutt Padikkal then took control of the innings. He first completed his half century and then added another big partnership with Gill.
Gill also scored a half century before Padikkal reached his century in the third session.
Despite, India lost a few wickets later in the day. Padikkal was dismissed for 117, while Rishabh Pant retired hurt after hurting his wrist.
Ravindra Jadeja scored 43 before he was dismissed, leaving Dhruv Jurel and Saransh Jain at the crease.
Jurel was unbeaten on 7 runs, while Jain was on 4 at stumps. For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando took three wickets. Lahiru Kumara and Keshar Nuwantha picked up one each. India have already put themselves in a strong position.
But the bigger question remains Is Devdutt Padikkal now the long term answer at No. 3, or is it still too early to say?
