The second day of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium will begin with the possibility of rain. India will resume its first innings at 288/2, with Devdutt Padikkal unbeaten on 131 and Rishabh Pant at the crease on 27.
Rain remains a concern in Galle
Rain interrupted play twice on the opening day, and further rain is forecast in Galle on Sunday. Any disruption could affect the number of overs available and influence the strategies of both teams.
India will look to add as many runs as possible to its first-innings total, while Sri Lanka will aim to take early wickets and restrict India's scoring.
Padikkal resumes on 131 not out
Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 131 on the first day and will resume his innings with an opportunity to add to his total. Rishabh Pant will accompany him at the crease as India begins the second day's play on 288/2.
Pant two sixes away from 100 in Tests
Rishabh Pant has hit 98 sixes in Test cricket and needs two more to reach 100. If he hits two sixes in the Galle Test innings, he will become the first Indian batter to complete 100 sixes in Test cricket.
Pant has already moved past former India opener Virender Sehwag's tally of 91 Test sixes. He now has the opportunity to reach the 100-six mark.
Rahul's fitness remains under watch
India's other key concern on the second day will be the fitness of vice-captain KL Rahul. Rahul experienced repeated cramps while batting on the first day and retired hurt on 77.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Rahul's problem was mainly cramps and indicated that he could return to bat if he is fully fit. The team management is monitoring his condition.
India seek to build first-innings total
India will resume at 288/2 with Padikkal and Pant at the crease. The team will look to add runs in the first session, while Sri Lanka's bowlers will seek early wickets to restrict India's scoring.
The weather could play a significant role in the day's proceedings. With rain having already interrupted the opening day, further interruptions could reduce the available overs and require both teams to adjust their strategies.
Focus on Padikkal, Pant and Rahul
Padikkal will resume on 131 not out, while Pant is two sixes away from completing 100 sixes in Test cricket. Rahul's fitness will also remain an important point for India after he retired hurt on 77.
