India were bowled out for 462 in 116.4 overs in their first innings against Sri Lanka in the opening Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Monday. Devdutt Padikkal was the standout performer with a superb 167, while KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel also made important contributions as India built a substantial total.

The visitors had resumed Day 3 at 460/9 and needed only four deliveries to lose their final wicket. Asitha Fernando dismissed Prasidh Krishna to complete Sri Lanka's effort to wrap up the Indian innings.

Padikkal Leads India’s Batting Charge

Padikkal's 167 proved to be the foundation of India's innings. The left-hander converted his opportunity into his maiden Test century and produced one of the defining performances of the match so far. His innings came after he had also impressed during India's preparatory game in Sri Lanka.

Padikkal's performance was particularly important because India initially appeared to be in complete control before Sri Lanka's spinners mounted a strong comeback during the second half of the innings.

Rahul and Jurel Add Valuable Runs

KL Rahul provided important support during India's dominant batting phase, while wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel scored a valuable half-century. Jurel's contribution was significant after a run of innings without a fifty and strengthened India's lower-middle-order effort.

The partnership and individual contributions helped India recover from the loss of wickets and push the total beyond the 450-run mark.

Sri Lanka Spinners Stage Fightback

Sri Lanka's bowling attack found greater success as the innings progressed. Veteran spinner Prabath Jayasuriya claimed 4/109, while debutant Keshara Nuwantha returned 3/175.

The pair accounted for all seven Indian wickets that fell during Sri Lanka's late fightback. India had earlier reached 288/2, but the hosts gradually regained control with spin on a surface offering assistance.

India’s Strong First-Innings Position

Despite losing wickets towards the end, India's total of 462 gave the visitors a strong platform. The score reflected a largely successful batting effort in conditions where Sri Lanka's spinners were expected to play a major role.

India's bowlers were then tasked with making the most of the advantage and putting pressure on the Sri Lankan top order.

Sri Lanka Struggle After Early Wickets

India made an immediate impact when Sri Lanka began their reply. Mohammed Siraj struck with his second delivery, dismissing Nishan Fernando after the opener edged an away-moving delivery to first slip.

Sri Lanka slipped to 99/5 at lunch, with India's bowlers exploiting the early movement and putting the hosts under considerable pressure.

The early collapse gave India a significant advantage, although Sri Lanka still had an opportunity to rebuild through its middle and lower order.

Sri Lanka Eventually Bowled Out for 284

Sri Lanka later mounted a determined recovery, led by Sonal Dinusha's maiden international century and a useful contribution from Niroshan Dickwella. However, India's spin attack eventually completed the job.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284, leaving India with a 178-run first-innings lead. Manav Suthar was the leading Indian bowler with 4/76, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed 3/57. Rain subsequently interrupted India's progress on the third day.

India's first-innings advantage has therefore put the visitors firmly in control of the opening Test, although the weather and the Galle pitch could still influence the remainder of the contest.