India reached 116/4 at lunch on Day 4 of the first Test against Sri Lanka, extending their overall lead to 294 runs after an eventful opening session. Sri Lanka's spinners managed to keep the Indian batters under pressure with regular wickets, but India maintained a healthy scoring rate. Devdutt Padikkal once again impressed with the bat, although he missed out on a second successive major contribution after scoring 167 in India's first innings.

Padikkal looked composed throughout his stay at the crease and scored 44 before being dismissed shortly before lunch. He was trapped leg before wicket after a delivery turned sharply back into him, bringing an end to an important partnership. His dismissal left India four wickets down, but the visitors had already built a substantial advantage after Sri Lanka were bowled out for a lower total in their first innings.

KL Rahul also made a useful contribution of 35 before being dismissed for the second time in the match. Rahul had earlier survived a DRS review but could not capitalise on the reprieve. He attempted an aggressive shot but mistimed it and was caught by substitute fielder Milan, leaving India at 65/2.

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Shubman Gill then fell cheaply for eight, giving Prabath Jayasuriya another important wicket. Gill attempted a sweep but missed the turning delivery and was adjudged LBW. He reviewed the decision, but the replay showed that the ball was hitting the stumps, confirming his dismissal and giving him twin failures in the Test.

Rishabh Pant provided some much-needed aggression for India during the latter stages of the session. He brought up India's 100 with a reverse-sweep boundary before charging down the ground to hit Lahiru Kumara for a six. Pant remained unbeaten on 21 at the lunch interval and will be expected to accelerate India's scoring in the second session as India look to set Sri Lanka a challenging fourth-innings target.

The session was also interrupted by an injury to Sri Lankan batter and fielder Dinesh Chandimal, who hurt his right shoulder and neck while diving to prevent a boundary. He was assessed by the team's medical staff before being taken to hospital for a precautionary scan. With India already holding a 294-run lead, the visitors will aim to build an even bigger advantage after lunch and put Sri Lanka under significant pressure in the final innings.

Also Read: IND vs SL 1st Test: Rahul, Padikkal Steady India at 101/1 Before Rain Halts Play