Colombo: Devdutt Padikkal struck his second consecutive Test century as India ended the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka on a strong 300 for 5 in Colombo on Sunday.
Padikkal scored 117 off 193 balls, hitting 12 fours, and held the Indian innings together after captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bat.
Gill contributed 50, while Yashasvi Jaiswal made 45 and Ravindra Jadeja added 43. Dhruv Jurel was unbeaten on seven and Saransh Jain on four when stumps were drawn after 85 overs.
For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando was the most successful bowler, finishing the day with figures of 3 for 46.
Padikkal steadies India after early wickets
India lost KL Rahul for 18 before Jaiswal fell five runs short of a half-century.
Padikkal, however, remained composed and built a crucial 120-run partnership for the third wicket with Gill to put India in control.
The left-hander reached his second century of the series and continued his impressive run on Sri Lankan soil.
Gill also looked settled before falling at the stroke of tea. The India captain was caught behind off Fernando for 50 from 108 balls, having struck six fours.
His dismissal left India at 187 for 3 at the tea interval.
Jadeja helps India reach 300
Padikkal continued to anchor the innings after tea before eventually being dismissed for 117.
Jadeja then made a useful 43 to ensure India maintained their momentum in the final session.
Jurel and Saransh Jain saw out the remaining overs as India reached 300 for 5 at stumps, leaving the visitors well placed heading into the second day.
Brief score: India 300 for 5 in 85 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 117, Shubman Gill 50; Asitha Fernando 3/46).
