By: Tarish Bhatt
The temperament of KL Rahul was again at display in India colours, when the young opener converted the start into a fine century, his second in Tests, against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
KL Rahul, who was opening the innings for the fifth time, showed how mature he is getting with each passing innings, as this was his second Test hundred in three matches.
It was by no means a walk-in-a-park hundred for KL Rahul, as he had to absorb pressure initially, took ones and twos, and negotiate the new-ball, while also keeping Rangana Herath at bay.
The Karnataka opener was also lucky, having dropped by Jehan Mubarak early in the innings, while some of his shots landing between fielders, but Rahul kept hanging at one end.
Earlier, India lost two early wickets, when pacer Dhammika Prasad exploited early-morning conditions to get Murali Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane cheaply.
Rahul, meanwhile, kept the one end knotted, while playing with skipper Virat Kohli, who also scored a flowing half-century. They stitched a 164-run partnership for the third wicket to put back on track.
Virat Kohli, who was looking in good touch, was dismissed when Angelo Mathews took a sharp catch to break the partnership. Kohli could have continued to complete his hundred, but had to leave owing to a brilliant Mathews catch.
KL Rahul then added 55 runs with Rohit Sharma, who was playing in place of Cheteshwar Pujara, to strengthen India’s grip on Day 1 of the 2nd Test.
Rohit Sharma also justified his selection by making a flowing half-century on Day 1. He made a good partnership with Stuart Binny, after KL Rahul’s departure, while also making a crucial stand with Wriddhiman Saha.
India ended the Day 1 on 319/6, with Rohit Sharma departing on the final over of the day. Wriddhiman Saha remained unbeaten. India are currently training the three-match series 1-0.
