Shubman Gill and Paddikal Drive India to 300-5 on Opening Day

The second Test between India and Sri Lanka saw the visitors compile 300 runs for five wickets on the first day at the SSC. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul gave India a steady start, posting 37 runs for the opening wicket. Rahul’s innings was 18 runs off 33 balls with three boundaries.

Devdutt Paddikal took charge, partnering Jaiswal for 29 runs and moving the total to 66. Jaiswal fell on 45, just five runs away from a fifty. Captain Shubman Gill entered the fray and added 120 runs with Paddikal, taking the scoreboard to 186. Gill’s fifty came off 108 deliveries, featuring six fours.

Rishabh Pant, at number five, suffered a left‑wrist injury from a Lahiru Kumara delivery and retired hurt on just three runs. He faced only 15 balls. Ravindra Jadeja entered next, contributing 43 runs in a 74‑run stand with Paddikal, who was eventually dismissed on 117 off 193 balls.

By stumps, India were 296 for four. Dhruv Jurel and Saransh Jain added a few runs, finishing unbeaten on 7 and 4 respectively, as the hosts prepared for the second session.