India vs Sri Lanka Highlights, 1st Test, Day 1: Pant, Vihari headline Kohli's 100th game; IND reach 357/6 at stumps

Sunil Gavaskar on Virat Kohli's contribution to Test cricket

“The way Kohli has batted and led in Test cricket, he's shown the world the importance of red-ball cricket. It's Rohit's team now but previously it was Dhoni and Kohli's team,” says Gavaskar on Star Sports.

Virat Kohli's 100th Test! What a journey it's been for the mercurial batter.

"I clearly remember when I took over Test captaincy, I had this vision for the team that we needed to play certain kind of cricket and we need to be a certain kind of team in international cricket and we ended up achieving that five years in a row. So immensely proud," Kohli had said in the video shared by the BCCI.

The pitch hasn't shown any absurdness so far and Vihari-Kohli could steer India to an intimidating total on first day. Also, the hosts have Pant, Shreyas, Jadeja, Ashwin up next. 

Kohli has joined the elite list of Indian cricketers who have represented the country in 100 Tests. Here are the list of all 11 Indian cricketers who have played 100 Tests for the nation:

Read: Full list of Indian cricketers who have played 100 Tests

The session started with Rohit and Mayank adding a brisk 50 for the opening wicket. But Kumara got Rohit with the short ball ploy and Mayank was trapped plumb in front against Embuldeniya. The good thing for India is Vihari's batting approach today. The No. 3 batter has looked solid today at the position. Also, Kohli will also aim to get among the runs and finally end the wait of his 71st international ton.

India have added 109 runs in the first session despite Rohit and Mayank's departure. The hosts would be happy with their batting performance, especially when they also have some reputed names in line. Vihari and Kohli are unbeaten at the crease. 

Embuldeniya has been accurate so far. He's been trying to maintain a similar line, depending on the surface to get some extra spin. Just three from his over.

India 105/2

Just two off Embuldeniya's over. India have crossed the 100 mark and a lot will depend on Kohli and Vihari now. Don't forget the much-awaited 71st international hundred off Kohli that's been on fans' mind for over two years.

India 101-2

Pure elegance! Kohli plays it on the rise and dispatches it for a four straight down the ground. You can't set field for shots like these.

Embuldeniya continues and Vihari tucks it to point for a single. Kohli on strike and we hear a lot of noise from the stands. Kohli defends the last two deliveries.

India 92/2

Cracking boundary from Vihari! Fernando bowls a half volley and Vihari has got excellent footwork to get into position and find the gap through the covers.

Embuldeniya traps Mayank, who consulted Vihari and decided not to review it. Also, Kohli is making his way to the crease. What a moment for him!

India 82/2

Embuldeniya continues and Vihari is in no hurry to get some boundaries. But sloppy fielding work from Sri Lanka on the last delivery. Three runs to finish the over.

India 80/1

Single to end the over and Embuldeniya gives away just three. Mayank and Vihari have been scoring without any pressure despite Rohit's departure. The batters would be looking to grab the opportunity with both hands.

India 75/1

Brilliant from Mayank. Less movement from Kumara and he uses the pace to punch it to mid-off. Three more runs.

India 72/1

Left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya comes into the attack and Mayank welcomes him with a fine cut on the off-side.

India 67/1

Four more for Vihari! He punches it through the gap between cover and mid-off and follows it up with five dot balls. Nevertheless, a good start from the hosts despite losing Rohit. Time for drinks!

India 62/1

Vihari is looking composed and calm at the start, which is a good sign for the Indian team. He dispatches Lakmal's loose delivery to the square leg for a four.

India 58/1

Vihari joins Mayank in the middle. He's been entrusted at the No. 3 spot in place of Pujara. Big shoes to fill for Vihari! 

WICKET! Rohit and Mayank added 50 for the opening wicket but the former perishes after scoring 29. Short delivery and Rohit goes for one more pull. Top-edge and caught by Lakmal at fine leg.

India 52/1

Fans were waiting to see that trademark pull from Rohit! Short from Lahiru Kumara and Rohit quickly gets into the position to pull that away for a four. 

Rohit and Mayank have been watchful at the start but the Indian pair hasn't missed out on punishing those loose deliveries. Seems like the two have already got a decent idea about the Mohali surface. A half-century stand is incoming!

India 44/0

7.1: A full toss on Rohit's legs and a player of that calibre isn't going to miss those. Easy pickings for Rohit. He dispatches it towards mid-wicket for a four.

7.3: One on the on-side and one through the off! Rohit elegantly drives a wide delivery for a four to point. 

India 41/0