Resuming their innings at 300 for 5, India suffered an early setback when debutant Saransh Jain fell for 6, caught at second slip off Asitha Fernando. His dismissal brought Rishabh Pant back to the crease after he had retired hurt on the opening day following a blow to the hand. Welcomed with a bouncer from Fernando, Pant quickly found his rhythm. Seven balls later, he hooked Lahiru Kumara over the boundary for his 101st Test six, surpassing Australian legend Adam Gilchrist. Pant added another six to reach 102 career Test sixes, placing him third on the all-time list behind England’s Ben Stokes (138) and New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum (107).

Pant departed for a brisk 63 immediately after lunch, ending a vital 112-run seventh-wicket partnership with Jurel. Unfazed, Jurel anchored the tail, accumulating an additional 84 runs alongside the lower-order batsmen to complete his second Test century. When number 11 batsman Prasidh Krishna struck a boundary off point to cross the 500-run mark, Indian captain Shubman Gill signaled the declaration with Jurel standing unbeaten on 115. The total marked another massive first-innings score for India on Sri Lankan soil, following recent totals of 600, 622 for 9 declared, 487, and 462.

Sri Lanka’s reply began in chaotic fashion. After just two deliveries, play was interrupted for a second rain break of the day. Upon resuming 30 minutes later under overcast skies, the Sri Lankan batsmen expressed strong concerns regarding poor light. The umpires measured the illumination levels with a light meter and instructed play to continue.

Only 16 deliveries were possible before bad light ultimately ended the day’s proceedings, but the brief spell proved disastrous for the hosts. Prasidh Krishna removed opener Lahiru Udara, who was caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Shortly after, left-arm spinner Manav Suthar trapped nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya leg-before-wicket, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 2 for 8 at stumps.