Devdutt Padikkal century puts India in control on opening day in Colombo

Padikkal's 117 was the centrepiece of another strong batting display from India, who won the toss and chose to bat on a surface expected to offer the best conditions for run-scoring during the opening days.

The left-hander had already made 167 and 44 in the first Test in Galle after being called into the squad as a late injury replacement. His performances have now strengthened his case to become India's regular No. 3 after Shubman Gill moved down the order following his appointment as captain.

Padikkal was given two early lives before making Sri Lanka pay. He was dropped at point by Sonal Dinusha before he had scored, while captain Dhananjaya de Silva could not hold on to a difficult chance at slip when Padikkal had two runs.

He went on to share a 120-run partnership with Gill, who responded to a disappointing first Test with a composed 50. Gill had been under pressure after scoring only 24 runs in Galle, but looked assured before Asitha Fernando dismissed him after an edge behind.

Fernando was Sri Lanka's standout bowler, finishing with 3-46. He had earlier removed Yashasvi Jaiswal for 43 after the opener had attacked the fast bowler with a series of boundaries. The dismissal was followed by a brief confrontation between the pair before teammates intervened.

KL Rahul was the other early India wicket, making 18 before edging a delivery from Lahiru Kumara through to the wicketkeeper.

India's batters generally enjoyed the conditions, with the hosts using seven bowlers as they attempted to break the partnerships. The recently relaid SSC pitch offered some early movement for the seamers, but the assistance faded as the day progressed, leaving the spinners to carry more of the workload.

Padikkal eventually fell late in the afternoon session when offspinner Keshara Nuwantha beat his defensive push and struck the top of off stump.

Ravindra Jadeja then made 43 before becoming Fernando's third victim. Having taken a blow to his left forearm from a short delivery by Kumara earlier in the day, Jadeja required treatment for cramps before his concentration appeared to wane and he was bowled by a delivery that came back into him.

India also lost wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant to injury. He retired hurt on three after being struck on the left forearm while attempting to pull Kumara.

At the close, debutant Saransh Jain was unbeaten on four alongside Dhruv Jurel, who was seven not out.

Sri Lanka introduced opener Kamil Mishara for his Test debut, while Pasindu Sooriyabandara made his first appearance in the starting XI after previously featuring as a concussion substitute against India in Galle.

Only 85 overs were completed during the opening day, with India firmly in command as they look to complete a 2-0 series victory.

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