Devdutt Padikkal’s assured batting at No. 3 and Manav Suthar’s impressive adaptation to conditions emerged as major positives for India from their 1-0 Test series win in Sri Lanka, while Dhruv Jurel also strengthened the team’s middle-order options
India head coach Gautam Gambhir praised his team’s mental resilience despite the second Test ending in a draw, while giving a special shoutout to Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha. Dinusha scored an unbeaten 133 to deny India a series sweep
Sonal Dinusha's gritty 98 and a stubborn lower order frustrated India as Sri Lanka reached 383/8 at tea on the fifth day of the second Test. The hosts extended their second-innings lead to 170 runs after following on
Dhruv Jurel credited Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” for his composed unbeaten 115 against Sri Lanka, saying he focused on his strengths while batting alongside Rishabh Pant. He also dedicated his second Test century to his parents and grandfather
Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel struck unbeaten half-centuries to share a 112-run stand as India reached 419/6 at lunch on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka. Pant returned after retiring hurt to help India regain control.
India pacer Prasidh Krishna stressed the importance of keeping the ball dry and maintaining its shine to generate reverse swing in humid Sri Lankan conditions. He also backed disciplined line and length and urged the team to focus on one session at a time.
India batter Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the first Test against Sri Lanka due to a right big toe injury, while his availability for the second match is also doubtful. Devdutt Padikkal could replace him in the playing XI.
