India Dominate Day 4 in Galle

India tightened their grip on the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, reducing the hosts to 84/4 at stumps on Day 4. Chasing a daunting target of 372, Sri Lanka still need 288 runs with six wickets in hand, while India require just six scalps to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

After four absorbing days — not without their share of rainfall — India have held the upper hand since the first innings. Captain Shubman Gill won the toss and India cashed in, posting 462 on a surface that has only grown harder to bat on with each passing innings. Sri Lanka's bowlers made regular breakthroughs in India's second innings, but a flurry of vital contributions ensured the visitors set an imposing target.

Pant's Pyrotechnics Set the Tone

India found themselves in early trouble at 111/4 in their second innings before Rishabh Pant took centre stage. The wicketkeeper-batter unleashed an adventurous 66 off 69 balls, reaching his half-century from just 53 deliveries with his trademark unconventional strokeplay. Along the way, he became the fastest wicketkeeper — and the first Indian batter — to reach 100 Test sixes, clearing the boundary off Lahiru Kumara twice in the same over.

Pant added 54 runs with Ravindra Jadeja before edging Kumara to wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella. His knock, combined with Devdutt Padikkal's composed 44 and KL Rahul's unusually aggressive 35, lifted India to 193 all out.

Padikkal and Rahul Provide Crucial Support

Padikkal, following his magnificent 167 in the first innings, continued to look comfortable against Sri Lanka's spinners. The left-hander repeatedly found ways to score despite the challenging conditions, attacking the spin to help India build a sizeable lead. He eventually fell to Keshara Nuwantha after being pinned on the crease.

Rahul, meanwhile, showed clear intent against the spinners, dispatching two sixes — one over long-off and another towards the sight screen — in a 65-run second-wicket partnership with Padikkal. He survived a leg-before appeal on 25 after a successful review before eventually departing to Prabath Jayasuriya.

Gill endured another disappointing outing against spin, dismissed leg before wicket by Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka's spinners exploited the abrasive surface. The Indian captain managed just 8 in the second innings to go with 16 in the first, giving him plenty to ponder ahead of the second Test.

Sri Lanka's Chase Falters Early

Sri Lanka's pursuit of 372 began cautiously after a short rain delay, but they soon lost Nishan Fernando, who pulled Mohammed Siraj straight to Prasidh Krishna in the deep. Prasidh then struck himself, removing Kamindu Mendis after setting the left-hander up with three deliveries coming in before producing one that moved away.

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets to finish with figures of 2/30. He first dismissed concussion substitute Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who was trapped lbw off just his second delivery in Test cricket. Suthar returned in his second spell to remove Lahiru Udara for 16, though the dismissal sparked controversy — Dhruv Jurel appeared to have taken a low catch, and the third umpire ruled Udara out after reviewing the footage.

Chandimal Ruled Out After Fielding Injury

Sri Lanka's problems were compounded when Dinesh Chandimal was forced out of the match after suffering a blow while fielding. Chandimal hit his shoulder and head hard on the ground during the first session and underwent a scan. Although the scan cleared him of any structural injury, he could not pass the concussion test and was ruled out. Sooriyabandara was brought in as his concussion substitute but lasted just one delivery before Suthar trapped him lbw.

Suthar Shines on Debut

Suthar, who has six wickets and counting in the match, spoke after the day's play about his approach. "It feels good to be playing Test cricket, something every cricketer dreams of," he said. The left-arm spinner felt that getting a wicket with his first ball in the first innings helped him settle in, and he shared that he practices spot bowling to find his rhythm. He also spoke about learning from senior spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, noting there was more turn in the second innings and expecting the surface to offer even more on Day 5.

"Getting the lengths right at the start of the day tomorrow and adapting to the conditions will be crucial," Suthar added.

Slim Hopes Remain for Sri Lanka

At stumps, captain Dhananjaya de Silva (31*) and Sonal Dinusha (25*) had put together an unbeaten 37-run stand to steady the innings. The pair will need to bat deep into the final day if Sri Lanka are to salvage anything from this Test.

History is firmly against the hosts. The highest successful chase in a Test at Galle is Pakistan's 344 in 2022, and a target of more than 200 has been chased successfully only twice at the venue since 1998. With precious little batting left after the current pair, Sri Lanka need something extraordinary.

India, meanwhile, will be mindful of the weather. Rain is predicted on the final day, which could complicate their push for victory. The visitors will therefore be keen to make the most of every available over. Play resumes at 9:45 am IST (4:15 am GMT).