IND vs SL 2nd Test: 5 Biggest Takeaways

The 2nd Test between Sri Lanka and India at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo ran from August 23 to 27, 2026. The match produced several moments and performances that will shape discussions around both sides going forward. India posted 503/9 declared in their first innings, while Sri Lanka were bowled out for 290 and then asked to follow on. In second innings, Sri Lanka has scored more than 300 runs, taking their lead by 150+ runs. Here are the five takeaways from second Test between Sri Lanka and India: 1. Devdutt Padikkal settles India's No. 3 question Devdutt Padikkal (Photo by Viraj Kothalawala/MB Media/Getty Images) Devdutt Padikkal has scored two centuries across this series while batting at No. 3. India had been searching for a settled occupant of that position since Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement, and Padikkal's contributions have addressed that need directly. The left-handed batter has involved in a 120-run partnership with Shubman Gill during India's first innings, with Padikkal contributing 60 off 101 balls to that stand. His consistency at a demanding position has given India's top order a more settled look in these conditions. 2. Manav Suthar's series-long impact with the ball Manav Suthar (Source: BCCI/X) Manav Suthar has been among the most productive bowlers in this series. In Sri Lanka's first innings of the 2nd Test, he returned figures of 3 wickets for 85 runs. In the second innings, he has been maintaining the same consistency. Left-arm spinner has taken more than 15 wickets across the two matches in Sri Lanka. His performances have prompted discussion about whether he could serve as a long-term successor to Ravindra Jadeja in India's Test setup. 3. India's pace attack fitness under the spotlight Jasprit Bumrah (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) India's pace attack has been a concern throughout this tour. Jasprit Bumrah was unavailable for the series due to injury, and both Akash Deep and Harshit Rana have been dealing with fitness issues. With India scheduled to tour New Zealand in approximately two months, the management will need to address the depth and durability of their pace resources before that assignment. 4. Sonal Dinusha emerges as Sri Lanka's batting hope Sonal Dinusha (Source: Sameera Peiris/Getty Images) Gamage Sonal Dinusha has been Sri Lanka's standout batter in this match. The 25-year-old left-hander, who made his Test debut on June 25, 2025 against Bangladesh, scored 103 in Sri Lanka's first innings, converting his overnight score of 85 into his second century of the series. In the second innings, he has scored runs at a steady pace. Dinusha's ability to build long innings against quality bowling has marked him as a significant prospect for Sri Lanka's Test future. 5. Dhruv Jurel can play even as a specialist batter Dhruv Jurel (Source: Viraj Kothalawala/MB Media/Getty Images) Dhruv Jurel could be a valuable option even as a specialist batter, given his recent performances with the bat. He impressed during India’s two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, registering one century and one half-century to underline his ability to play long and impactful innings. Jurel has shown maturity under pressure and possesses the technique to adapt to different conditions. His ability to rotate the strike and accelerate when required makes him a flexible batter in the lineup.

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IND vs SL 2nd Test: 5 Biggest Takeaways

From Devdutt Padikkal's rise at No. 3 to Sonal Dinusha's batting form, the Colombo Test has thrown up several talking points.

3. India's pace attack fitness under the spotlight

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