India, Aug. 20 -- No one watching the Galle Test missed that big, warm hug KL Rahul gave Devdutt Padikkal out of relief after the review that he almost didn't take went his way. Nor did anyone following that broadcast closely miss that peck Rahul almost planted on his cheeks. It spoke of gratitude, but also of the affection that grows among players who are on the road year-round.

For Rahul and Padikkal, it's a bond that goes deeper because they turn out for Karnataka as well, churning runs while putting on massive partnerships together. So maybe it's not bad after all that Padikkal is batting at No 3, lending India a top-order stability that they don't have to work on for a change.

Rahul and Padikkal put on 150 for the second wicket in ...