India finished the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in a strong position after choosing to bat in Colombo. Captain Shubman Gill won the toss at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground, and the visitors reached 300 for five in 85 overs at stumps on August 23, 2026.

Devdutt Padikkal led India’s innings with 117 from 193 balls. Gill made 50 and Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 45, while Ravindra Jadeja contributed 43 and KL Rahul made 18. Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando was the most successful bowler with three wickets for 46 runs.

Lahiru Kumara took one wicket for 38 runs and Keshara Nuwantha claimed one for 93. Dhruv Jurel, on seven, and Saransh Jain, on four, remained unbeaten at the close. The report described the surface as batting-friendly and said India’s aim on the second day is to build a large total and increase pressure on the hosts.