There is a possibility of rain on the second day of the Galle Test between India and Sri Lanka. India will proceed with the innings at 288/2. Devdutt Padikkal is unbeaten on 131 runs, while Rishabh Pant is two sixes away from completing 100 sixes in Tests.
IND VS SL TEST: The second day of the first Test being played between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium will start amidst the challenge of rain. The Indian team had achieved a strong position on the first day of the match and now its eyes are on a big score. India will start the day's play with a score of 288 runs for two wickets. Devdutt Padikkal is unbeaten on 131 runs, while wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant is at the crease on 27 runs.
Weather had disrupted the match twice on the first day. In such a situation, the possibility of rain on the second day also remains a matter of concern for the Indian batsmen and team management. According to the weather forecast, there is a good possibility of rain in Galle on Sunday also. If the game is affected due to rain, it can have a direct impact on the strategy of both the teams and the pace of the match.
Padikkal has a chance to continue his big innings.
Devdutt Padikkal batted brilliantly on the first day and scored unbeaten 131 runs. He maintained a good balance between composure and aggression and strengthened the Indian innings against the Sri Lankan bowlers. Now on the second day, he will try to convert his score into a big individual total.
This innings holds special importance for Padikkal, because the opportunity to play big innings in Test cricket boosts the confidence of any batsman. Rishabh Pant is present at the crease with him, who has the ability to change the course of the match rapidly. If both the batsmen make a long partnership, India can move towards a strong score in the first innings.
Pant has a chance to create history in test cricket
Rishabh Pant will be one of the most talked about players of the match on the second day. The Indian wicketkeeper batsman is very close to completing 100 sixes in Test cricket. Pant has hit 98 Test sixes so far and needs only two more sixes to reach the historic figure.
If Pant Gaul is successful in hitting two sixes in this innings of Test, he will become the first Indian batsman to complete 100 sixes in Test cricket. With this achievement, he can further strengthen his place among the most aggressive batsmen of Indian Test cricket.
Looking at Pant's batting style, achieving this feat is not considered difficult, but the conditions of Galle and rain can affect the direction of the game. Sri Lankan bowlers will also take the field with a strategy to stop Pant's aggressive game.
Sehwag's record may also be left behind
Former opener Virender Sehwag has been at the top for a long time in terms of hitting the most sixes among Indian batsmen in Test cricket. Sehwag has 91 sixes in his name in Test cricket. Pant has already crossed this figure and now his eyes are on the figure of 100 sixes.
Pant's specialty is that he bats aggressively even in Test cricket. This attitude of his makes him different from other wicketkeeper batsmen of Indian cricket. Completing the figure of 100 sixes can be included in the major personal achievements of his Test career.
Keep an eye on KL Rahul's fitness also
Another important issue for the Indian team on the second day will be the fitness of vice-captain KL Rahul. Rahul appeared troubled by repeated cramps while batting on the first day. After feeling uncomfortable, he retired hurt and walked off the field at the score of 77 runs.
After Rahul left the field, discussion also started regarding the batting order of the Indian team. However, the team's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has given positive indications regarding Rahul's condition. He told that Rahul only had cramps and if he remains completely fit then he is expected to come out to bat again.
Kotak gave update regarding Rahul
Talking about Rahul's condition, Sitanshu Kotak said that his problem was mainly of cramps. The team management is keeping an eye on Rahul's fitness and he can bat again once his condition improves.
Rahul's return will be important for India, as he contributed in putting the team in a strong position by playing a useful inning of 77 runs on the first day. If he is able to bat again, the first innings of the Indian team can get further strength.
Rain can spoil India's strategy
The role of weather can be very important in the Galle Test. Play had to be stopped twice due to rain on the first day. The forecast of rain on the second day can affect the strategy of the Indian team, under which it will try to put pressure on Sri Lanka by scoring fast runs.
Captains may have to change their strategy if the game gets reduced due to rain. While India will try to score a big score in its first innings, the Sri Lankan team will want to make a comeback in the match by dismissing the Indian batsmen quickly.
India eyes big score in Galle
The Indian team, which started the day at 288/2, has a strong batting line-up. Apart from the pair of Padikkal and Pant, there are also experienced and aggressive batsmen in the Indian batting order. In such a situation, India will try to add as many runs as possible in the first session.
On the other hand, the initial session will be crucial for the Sri Lankan bowlers. If they are successful in getting early wickets then India's run rate can be curbed. But if Padikkal and Pant survive then difficulties may increase for the host team.
Eyes will be on these players on the second day
On the second day, most eyes will be on Devdutt Padikkal and Rishabh Pant. Padikkal will try to make his unbeaten inning of 131 runs even bigger, while Pant will have a historic chance to complete 100 sixes in Test cricket with two sixes.
Apart from this, KL Rahul's fitness will also be important for the Indian team. If India continues to bat well amid rain and wet conditions, it can have a strong hold on the match.