India concluded the first day of the Test match in a commanding position, reaching 288 runs despite the day being restricted to 73 overs due to two separate rain interruptions. The highlight of the innings was Devdutt Padikkal, who marked his return to the side with an impressive unbeaten 131 off 178 balls, ending India's 20-Test drought for a century from the No. 3 batting position.
The day began with India captain Shubman Gill winning the toss and opting to bat on a surface that offered little for the seamers initially. However, the opening partnership was cut short in the first hour by a mix-up that resulted in Yashasvi Jaiswal being run out for 32. The dismissal occurred when KL Rahul hit the ball to deep mid-on and attempted a single, but a collision between Jaiswal and debutant offspinner Keshara Nuwantha left Jaiswal grounded. Both batters ended up at the non-striker's end, with wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella completing the dismissal.
Padikkal joined Rahul and navigated a period where the spinners began to extract turn. Both batters employed aggressive tactics, with Rahul utilizing a strategy of playing for the straight ball against spin while charging at Prabath Jayasuriya. Rahul, who retired hurt on 77 due to a forearm cramp, was instrumental in maintaining the scoring rate. Nuwantha proved to be the most persistent threat for the hosts, drawing 18 false shots throughout his 21-over spell, though his inconsistency allowed India to maintain pressure.
Following the tea break, Gill attempted to continue the aggressive approach but was dismissed for 16 after being beaten in flight by Jayasuriya. It brought in another comeback, Padikkal, who last played on a treacherous track in Perth two years ago and scored a 23-ball duck and a 71-ball 25. Probably deserving the best conditions of this Test as law of averages, he hit a six and scored 21 by the time he faced 23 balls here. This was also the time when the ball was doing a bit for the spinners, but he was assisted by the odd leg-side delivery, which he gracefully glanced away for fours.
Much like B Sai Sudharsan, the No. 3 whose foot injury made this comeback possible, Padikkal preferred to stay back to spin, but unlike Sai Sudharsan he did seem to have more attacking options from deep inside the crease. He also mixed it up with the periodic charge down the wicket or the sweep to not let the spinners settle into any kind of threatening rhythm. Concerns for Sri Lanka, who have lost their last five home Tests against India, were compounded by the behavior of the pitch. Spinners recorded 3.8, 4.2, and 4.5 degrees of turn across the day's three sessions, suggesting the track may become a significant turner as the match progresses. In the final 40 minutes of play, Padikkal and Rishabh Pant added 48 runs, capitalizing on poor length control from the Sri Lankan spinners.
