Sri Lanka, 15 August (Sports Desk)
1st Test, Sri Lanka vs India, at Galle, on Day 1 (15 August 2026). India won the toss and chose to bat. At stumps, India were 288/2 after 73 overs, with Sri Lanka yet to bat.
India 288/2 — Stumps, Day 1
| Batter | Runs | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Devdutt Padikkal | 131* | Not out |
| Rishabh Pant | 27* | Not out |
| KL Rahul | 77 | Retired hurt |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 32 | Run out |
| Shubman Gill | 16 | Out |
Devdutt Padikkal — 131*
This was the big story of the day. Padikkal scored his maiden Test century, reaching 100 from 134 balls and finishing on 131 off 178 balls, including 12 fours and 1 six.
He came in at No. 3 and played a superb innings, particularly after India lost Jaiswal early.
KL Rahul — 77
Rahul played an important anchoring innings, making 77 from 162 balls, with 9 fours and 1 six. He and Padikkal put together a 150-run partnership for the second wicket.
Unfortunately, Rahul had to retire hurt because of severe cramps, shortly after the tea break.
Yashasvi Jaiswal — 32
Jaiswal’s dismissal was particularly unusual. He was run out for 32 after a mix-up with Rahul, with both batters ending up at the same end. India lost their first wicket at 47.
Shubman Gill — 16
Gill came in after Rahul retired hurt but couldn’t stay long. He scored 16 before being dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya, leaving India at 236/2.
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Rishabh Pant — 27*
Pant then joined Padikkal and helped India finish strongly. He was 27 not out from 36 balls, with 3 fours and 1 six.
The pair added an unbeaten 52 runs, taking India from 236/2 to 288/2 at stumps.
How the day progressed
India 0/0 → 47/1
Jaiswal and Rahul started cautiously, but Jaiswal was unfortunately run out for 32.
47/1 → 197/1
Rahul and Padikkal completely changed the momentum. By tea, India had reached 197/1, with both batters having scored fifties.
197/1 → 236/2
Rahul retired hurt on 77. Gill came in but was dismissed for 16.
236/2 → 288/2
Pant joined Padikkal, and India finished the day without losing another wicket.
Sri Lanka’s situation
Sri Lanka’s bowlers had a difficult day. They managed only two wickets, and India’s batting became increasingly comfortable as the day progressed. Sri Lanka also used four spinners, anticipating conditions at Galle that could assist spin.
The weather also caused interruptions, reducing playing time.
What to expect on Day 2
India are in an excellent position at 288/2.
The immediate targets are:
- Padikkal: turn 131* into a big score — potentially 150/200.
- Pant: build a substantial partnership.
- India: push toward 400+ before declaring or being bowled out.
- Sri Lanka: desperately need early wickets with the new day’s play.
- Spin: is likely to become increasingly important as the Test progresses.
- KL Rahul: his fitness will be worth watching after retiring hurt on 77.
Current position
Sri Lanka: Yet to bat
India: 288/2 (73 overs)
Padikkal: 131*
Pant: 27*
Rahul: 77 retired hurt
Jaiswal: 32 run out
Gill: 16
So, India clearly dominated Day 1. The key achievement was Padikkal’s maiden Test hundred, while Rahul’s 77 gave India the platform. If India bat for another session or two on Day 2, Sri Lanka could be facing a very large first-innings tota
