Dhruv Jurel may not have been part of the action on day 1 in Galle, but India’s strong batting start against Sri Lanka set the tone for a promising opening to the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series. On a dry surface that is expected to offer more turn as the match goes on, India reached 288/2 at stumps, with Devdutt Padikkal unbeaten on 131 and Rishabh Pant unbeaten on 27.
Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bat first, and India’s top order made that decision look sensible for much of the day. Yashasvi Jaiswal provided an early start with 32, before being run out after a mix-up between the batters. That left India at 1 wicket down, but KL Rahul and Padikkal then took control in the second session.
Rahul and Padikkal build the platform
Rahul and Padikkal both passed fifty, and their partnership went past 100 in the 42nd over. By the end of the second session, India were 197/1 and in a strong position, with the pitch still playing true enough for batters to settle in. Rahul’s innings was later interrupted when he retired hurt at the start of the third session because of discomfort in his bottom hand.
That left Padikkal to carry the innings forward, and he did exactly that. The left-hander went on to reach his maiden Test century, finishing the day unbeaten on 131. It was a significant moment for a batter who has been viewed as adaptable across formats, and it gave India a much-needed anchor in conditions that could become more demanding later in the match.
What India’s start means
India’s 288/2 at stumps is not just a strong total on paper. It also reflects the value of partnerships on a surface that Sitanshu Kotak described as dry and likely to spin more as the game progresses. Kotak said the team felt the wicket was on the drier side, and while he did not expect it to crack, he did expect it to turn more as the Test wears on.
He also pointed to Rahul’s value in the side, noting his flexibility across formats and positions, and the way he helps a young team by taking responsibility and building partnerships. That context matters here. India did not just lose Rahul to discomfort after a solid stand; they also saw Padikkal turn a strong start into a century that gives the visitors a real base for the rest of the Test.
For India, the next phase will be about making that platform count if the pitch does begin to assist the spinners more heavily. For now, though, day 1 belonged to Padikkal, Rahul’s support role, and a batting effort that put India in control early in Galle.
