India remain firmly in control of the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle after taking a 178-run first-innings lead on a rain-hit third day. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar played a key role with four wickets and later praised his experienced spin partner Ravindra Jadeja for his remarkable consistency. Speaking after the day’s play, Suthar said India stuck to their plans despite Sri Lanka’s resistance, particularly from Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella, who added 146 runs for the sixth wicket.
“We wanted to stick to our plans of first session, ball was turning in all sessions and they played really well in second session," Suthar told the reporters on Monday. "There wasn’t much change in our approach. There were some umpire calls also… they rotated the strike really well. The ball didn’t get that soft.” Suthar, who finished with 4/76 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284, explained that the bowling strategy was straightforward — maintaining accuracy and attacking the stumps. “Plan was to bowl in good areas. Simple plan. Just to be on the line, and keep it stump to stump.” The youngster also highlighted the value of bowling alongside Jadeja, who claimed 3/57 and reached a major career milestone by completing 350 Test wickets. Speaking about the experience of bowling alongside Jadeja, the 24-year-old all-rounder added, “Lots to learn from him. His consistency in hitting same spot is world class.” Jadeja became only the fifth Indian to take 350 Test wickets and the fourth cricketer overall to combine at least 4,000 Test runs with 350 wickets. He joins Kapil Dev, Ian Botham and Daniel Vettori in that elite group. India’s first innings was powered by Devdutt Padikkal’s 167, along with 82 from KL Rahul and 51 from Dhruv Jurel. Sri Lanka’s reply ended at 284, with Dinusha scoring his maiden Test century and Dickwella making 80. Rain brought an early end to proceedings, leaving India with a commanding advantage heading into the next day.