India won the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle by a convincing 165 runs. With this amazing win, India has gone 1-0 up in the two-Test series. The second and final test of the series will be played from August 23 at the SSC Ground in Colombo.
Today, let’s take a look at five batters to watch out for in the Colombo Test. The Galle Test, despite favouring the bowlers, saw multiple batters from both sides doing well after applying themselves well. Therefore, there are chances that several other batters might also do well in Colombo.
Here are the 5 batters to watch out for in the second SL vs. IND Test:
5. Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal had a decent outing in the Galle Test, scoring 32 and 0. The second innings dismissal is a bit shocking, but he showed great composure in the first innings. Jaiswal has been amazing in India in his Test career, but his overseas record is a bit iffy, and he would want to shut up his detractors with a big one in Colombo.
4. KL Rahul
KL Rahul looked wonderful with the bat in Galle with scores of 82 and 35 in the two innings. He was the one who handled one end when Devdutt Padikkal was going great guns in the first innings. In the second innings, he took the game away from the Sri Lankans with a quick knock despite losing Jaiswal early. The responsibility of vice-captaincy has enriched Rahul’s game, and expect a big score from his bat in the second Test.
3. Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant was under pressure to perform for India, given that he only plays Tests now, losing his spot in ODIs and T20Is. Pant struggled with the bat in the first innings but was back to his usual self in the second innings. His knock of 66 helped India post a decent score and set a big target for Sri Lanka. Pant played all of his usual shots, and expect him to continue doing his things in the second Test as well.
2. Sonal Dinusha
Sonal Dinusha was the pick of Sri Lankan batters in the first Test. He made scores of 100 and 84, adding valuable runs in the middle order. He stabilised the Sri Lankan innings after the top order couldn’t withstand the Indian pacers and Manav Suthar. Dinusha might get a promotion in the batting order to bring more steadiness to Sri Lanka’s batting, and he will trouble the Indian bowlers.
1. Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal was the Player of the Match for his 167 and 44 runs in the first Test in Galle. Padikkal was included in the India squad only because Sai Sudharsan failed to get fit in time. Padikkal knew that he needed to make the most of the opportunity, and he did. Padikkal played both pacers and spinners well, attacking them at will and defending with grace. Expect Padikkal to do the same in Colombo, but be more cautious as the SSC Ground helps spinners more.
