3 players who impressed in India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test

3 players who impressed in India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test (Photo by Sameera Peiris/Getty Images)

The second Test between Sri Lanka and India at the Sinhalese Sports Club finished with a thrilling draw for the ages, with the home side successfully batting out just over 240 overs across two innings to save the match, ending in one of the most exciting finishes to a match in the recent past.

While India took the series 1-0 with their victory in Galle, both sides put out stellar performances, with players standing out for their teams in moments of adversity. We take a look at the players who were able to step up and make a mark for their respective teams.

Here are 3 players who stood out in SL vs IND 2026 2nd Test:

3. Dhruv Jurel

Dhruv Jurel has been India’s spare batter over the last few years, often finding his place in the side as an injury replacement or cover for someone else. This series saw the wicketkeeper-batter given a chance as a frontline player, which he grabbed willingly with both hands, scoring a brilliant unbeaten 115, his second century in Test cricket.

Jurel has always looked like a top player in this format with his temperament, compact set-up and range of shots. He also took the gloves in Sri Lanka’s first innings due to Rishabh Pant’s hand injury, finishing with a respectable series to further his case for a regular spot in the side.

2. Devdutt Padikkal

This series has been the dream introduction for Devdutt Padikkal into India’s Test fold. The southpaw followed up his 167 and 45 from the first game with yet another century, scoring a well-made 117 off 193 balls. He looked calm and composed in the middle, displaying a wide range of shots and footwork against both the pacers and spinners. Padikkal was also named Player of the Series, finishing with 328 runs in three innings.

Padikkal came into the side after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the series and established himself as the clear contender for India’s number 3 slot in the near future. The spot has been one which has seen revolving options after the retirement of Cheteshwar Pujara, and Padikkal’s skill and adaptability to the role make him not just a viable long-term option but the frontrunner.

1. Sonal Dinusha

Despite the result not being in Sri Lanka’s favour, this has been a dream series for all-rounder Sonal Dinusha, who made his mark in Test cricket with centuries in both innings of the match. The southpaw scored 103 in the first innings as a lone warrior despite wickets falling all around him, before remaining unbeaten on 133 to take the Lankan side home in dramatic fashion.

Throughout the game, Dinusha manoeuvred the Indian spinners’ threats while playing safe against the pacers. Compact in defence, Dinusha finished the series with scores of 100, 84, 103 and 133*, scoring 420 runs across four innings. The Lankans have found in Dinusha a prospect for the future and would be hoping that this is just the start for the young all-rounder.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.