Devdutt Padikkal marks comeback with classy 167 against Sri Lanka

Galle, Sunday: Former Indian batsman Devdutt Padikkal staged a classy comeback to the Test side, scoring a well-composed 167 runs as India amassed a formidable total of 460-9 on the second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The game commenced under rain-soaked conditions, with only 43 overs bowled during the morning session.

Padikkal, who returned to the team after a two-year gap as an injury replacement for Sai Sudharsan, was the standout performer among the Indian batsmen. His innings, which spanned over five hours, comprised 15 fours and a six, and included a swift dismissal of tailender Mohammad Siraj in the afternoon session. Despite losing key players like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Prabath Jayasuriya, India managed to build a solid foundation for the final day's play, as the pitch continued to deteriorate.