Colombo, Aug. 23 -- Devdutt Padikkal's magnificent century and a composed half-century from skipper Shubman Gill helped India overcome early setbacks and take control of the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Colombo SSC Ground on Sunday.

After opting to bat first, India were reduced to 66/2 in the morning session, but Padikkal and Gill stitched together a crucial 120-run partnership to steady the innings. Padikkal went on to score 117 off 193 balls, while Gill contributed with a fifty before India finished the day at 300/5 after 85 overs.

After resuming the post-Tea session at 187/3, India began cautiously and reached 201/3 at the end of 56 overs, with Devdutt Padikkal and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant at the cr...