devdutt padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal scored a superb 117 to help India reach 300 for five at stumps on the opening day of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday. Playing in only his fourth Test, Padikkal steadied India's innings after the team lost wickets at regular intervals on a challenging pitch during hot and humid conditions.

Padikkal's 168-ball century marked his second hundred in as many Test matches. The batter capitalized on early opportunities after being dropped twice on scores of zero and one. His innings featured powerful pulls and drives rather than his usual elegant strokeplay, including reaching his half-century from 90 balls and eventually bringing up his century by driving and then nudging left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.

During the innings, teammate Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the forearm. At the close of play, Dhruv Jurel was unbeaten on seven runs and debutant Saransh Jain was on four runs, with India standing at 300 for five after 85 overs.

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