India were off to an aggressive start against Sri Lanka in the first innings of the first Test on Day 1 in Mohali after skipper Rohit Sharma and his opening partner Mayank Agarwal put up a 52-run stand of the first wicket. The two batters began the proceedings in a cautious manner but didn’t shy away from playing the strokes.
Both the batsmen looked steady but Lahiru Kumara struck just at the right time after he bowled a short one to Sharma. The right-hander pulled the delivery but found a man at deep fine leg to be caught for 29 by Lakmal.
Later, opener Mayank Agarwal was trapped in front of the stumps for 33 by Lasith Embuldeniya.
Rohit is making his Test captaincy debut in this match while Virat Kohli is playing his 100th game in the format.
“It is a huge honour to be captaining India and be part of the list. It is something I never dreamt of. It has been quite buzzing. We know it is a special occasion. Not many people go on to play 100 Tests, and Virat has been looking forward to this game. We are playing three spinners and two seamers,” Rohit said at the toss.
Playing XI
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Dimuth Karunaratne(c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jayant Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah