Devdutt Padikkal announced himself on the Test stage in style, smashing a magnificent unbeaten 131 to power India to a commanding 288/2 on a rain-curtailed opening day against Sri Lanka.

The left-hander's maiden Test century was the cornerstone of India's dominant display, as the hosts put themselves firmly in the driver's seat in the series opener. KL Rahul provided the perfect foil with a crucial knock of 77, while Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 27 at stumps.

Padikkal's day to remember

Padikkal's unbeaten hundred marked a watershed moment in a career that has flourished across formats, with the batter converting his rich run of domestic and IPL form into a statement Test innings at the top of the order.

With the duo's stand putting India firmly in control, the hosts will look to pile on the runs and build a formidable first-innings total once play resumes. Day two's start, however, was delayed by rain, with the weather threatening to interrupt India's momentum.

The dominant opening day also provided the backdrop for Ravindra Jadeja's candid reflections on his own early-career struggles, as the all-rounder revealed that being asked to bat at No. 8 and 9 in his formative years left his confidence 'literally disturbed' and made him question the team's faith in his batting ability.