The second Test of the series will be played at SSC Colombo from August 23.
Former India keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik lauded the Indian team for their 165-run win in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle but pointed out one thing that they should be mindful of. Karthik notably mentioned how, on a spin-friendly pitch in the second innings, the Indian batters gave away their wickets to the Sri Lankan pacers.
India was bowled out for a poor 193 in the second innings after a strong batting and bowling performance gave them a 178-run advantage in the first innings. With six wickets between them, Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara of Sri Lanka caused the most damage.
"Things got a bit tricky in the second innings. When you think of Sri Lanka and Galle, you would think the spinners would pick up wickets. But the Sri Lankan pacers got six wickets in the second innings, which is something India should be wary of here in any Test match they play.
India got to 462 in the first innings, which basically means 50% of the Test match is in India's hands. When they got Sri Lanka to 90/5 in the first innings, you thought this match could be done in three days,” Karthik said in a video on his Instagram account.
Manav Suthar came in for some massive praise from Dinesh Karthik for his 10 wickets in the Test, including 6/55 in the second innings.
"The art of a good bowler is to try and finish things off and pick quick wickets when required, and he did that,” Karthik said.
Devdutt Padikkal's batting in both innings of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka was praised by Dinesh Karthik. Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 runs in the first innings in his first Test match for India in nearly two years, followed by 44 runs in the second.
Because of his outstanding batting, he was named Player of the Match.
"Devdutt Padikkal stood out in both innings. Though he only got 44 in the second innings, it was laced with composure, elegance, and quality stroke-making," said Karthik.
The second Test between Sri Lanka and India will be played from August 23 at the SSC Ground in Colombo.