India finished Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka in a strong position finishing with at 300 for 5 at stumps after electing to bat first at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Yashasvi Jaiswal set the early tone with a fluent 45 off 53 balls with some crisp drives while KL Rahul could only score 18 before both openers fell in the morning session. Rahul was caught behind off Lahiru Kumara and Jaiswal bowled by a sharp inswinger from Asitha Fernando. There was even a bit of on-field heat between Jaiswal and Fernando that briefly raised eyebrows. This was one of the biggest talking point of the day and it went viral on twitter 

From 66 for 2, Devdutt Padikkal and captain Shubman Gill put on a 120-run stand for the third wicket. Gill made a 50 before falling to Fernando, while Padikkal played well and converted his start into a fine century before getting dismissed on 117 off 193 balls. It was his second hundred of the series after the big one in Galle, and the crowd and dressing room both gave him a warm ovation when he eventually departed. There was plenty of praise for the left hander on twitter. 

Rishabh Pant came in and was soon forced to retire hurt after taking a blow adding a bit of concern. Ravindra Jadeja then scored 43 before falling late in the day. Debutant Saransh Jain and Dhruv Jurel were at the crease at stumps, with India having posted a competitive total on a surface that offered something for the bowlers throughout.

Padikkal received plenty of praise for the maturity of his knock. Posts celebrated the back-to-back centuries in the series. While Jaiswal's altercation with Asitha Fernando headlined the day. Posts and video clips showed the send-off, Jaiswal turning back, and players intervening. Several accounts said this was a possible ICC Code of Conduct issue. KL Rahul also got some criticism for his failure.

India lead the two-Test series 1-0 after the win in Galle. A first-innings total pushing towards 400 would put them firmly in the driver’s seat, but Sri Lanka have shown they can fight. Day 2 will be fascinating to watch and could decide which way this match goes.