India vs Sri Lanka Live Score 1st Test: Rain delays Day 2 start in Galle as Padikkal waits on 131
Day 2 Rain Delays India vs Sri Lanka First Test in Galle
Bharatmorningnews.com – Play on the second day of the inaugural Test match between India and Sri Lanka faces postponement as heavy showers have swept through Galle. The entire playing surface has been covered, pushing back the scheduled start time for the resumption of action.
Padikkal’s Masterclass Continues to Shine
Devdutt Padikkal’s remarkable performance on the opening day has set the tone for India’s campaign. Tasked with filling the void left by the sidelined Sai Sudharsan, the Karnataka batsman delivered a career-defining innings. He remained unbeaten on 131 runs, anchoring India’s total of 288 for two wickets at the close of play.
His partnership with KL Rahul proved crucial after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unfortunate dismissal. The opener fell for 32 runs following a comical mix-up between the batsmen. Together, Jaiswal and Rahul contributed 47 runs before the incident. Padikkal then joined forces with Rahul to build a substantial 150-run stand for the second wicket.
Rahul’s Retirement and Recovery
KL Rahul’s valiant effort of 77 runs came to an end when cramps forced him to retire hurt shortly after the tea interval. Despite the setback, India’s vice-captain appeared in good spirits.
KL batted really well. I think he was getting only cramps. So by the end of the day, he was fine. Probably once you start getting cramps, you get it in the hamstring, you get it in the groin, you get it in your hand. But at the moment he looks absolutely fine. So he should be good to go tomorrow.
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak expressed confidence that Rahul would be fit to resume batting on Day 2.
Flexibility in Batting Order
Kotak emphasized that the team remains open to adjusting batting positions based on form and conditions rather than sticking rigidly to predetermined roles.
I think Devdutt batted really well. So Sai also has been batting really well at that number. But the thing is they all are new-ball batsmen. So they open, they go number three, so we are very flexible. I would look at the way they bat, how they are adapting to conditions, how they are dealing with the different stages of a match, and that is very important for me rather than number three or four or five.
Padikkal’s Preparation Pays Off
The batting coach highlighted Padikkal’s dedicated work on his back-foot technique during training sessions at the National Cricket Academy. This preparation proved vital on a turning Sri Lankan pitch.
Preparation, I would say, overall the way Devdutt was preparing and I saw it in the NCA (BCCI CoE)…he was working on his back foot game. We try that when we expect a turn from a pitch. We also tried to work on step-out, sweep besides the back foot game. So, a lot of credit goes to him, the way he has prepared himself for the last couple of years.
Social Media Debate Over No. 3 Spot
Padikkal’s century has ignited discussions about whether he should retain his position at number three when Sudharsan returns to the squad. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has publicly supported keeping Padikkal in the role.
The debate centers on Sudharsan’s relatively modest record in the position. Since the England tour in 2025, the all-rounder has accumulated just 383 runs across 12 innings as the number three batsman, managing only three half-centuries along the way.
Final Session Developments
India’s dominance was briefly interrupted in the closing stages of Day 1 when captain Shubman Gill fell to Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. The left-hander was caught, providing the visitors with a crucial breakthrough before the close of play.
With Padikkal still at the crease and India firmly in control, the team looks poised to post a commanding first-innings total on Day 2, weather permitting.
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