India’s Strong Start in Galle as Padikkal Scores Double Century

India’s first innings at Galle International Stadium showcased a powerful batting display, culminating in 364 runs for five wickets before the T‑break. A rain‑affected opening session gave way to a steady accumulation of runs.

After reaching 288/2, the side added 76 more runs, losing three wickets in the process. The opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul contributed 47 runs, with Jaiswal falling for 32 after a quick 5‑boundary effort.

KL Rahul then forged a 162‑run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal. Rahul’s innings ended at 82, having struck ten fours and a six. Padikkal seized the moment, compiling a double‑century of 167 runs, featuring fifteen fours and a six from 230 balls.

Padikkal’s next stand with captain Shubman Gill added 39 runs, followed by a 71‑run partnership with wicket‑keeper Rishabh Pant, which propelled the total beyond 300. Pant contributed 39 before his dismissal.

At the session’s close, Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 4 and Dhruv Jurel on 19. Sri Lankan bowlers Keshara Nuwanth and Prabath Jayasuriya each took two wickets.

The Indian squad, led by Shubman Gill, also featured Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Manish Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Siraj and Prithvi Shaw.