Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane made his debut as a commentator during the India vs Sri Lanka Test series, which began on Saturday. The 38-year-old is working with the broadcasting channel after calling time on his career, having played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20I matches for India.

During a preview show, Rahane heaped praise on Virat Kohli’s captaincy.

The former India batter said, “Virat never asked anyone to do anything but go out and do it himself. I remember the time when we were chasing a huge total in Adelaide in 2014. He scored centuries in both innings.”

Former KKR skipper also said, “The mindset with which he batted in that innings shows that if a batter or a captain plays in that manner, the entire team follows suit.

He didn’t have to force anyone to do things, but believed in doing it himself and setting an example.”

Virat Kohli assumed captaincy in early 2015 before stepping down in 2022 after the South Africa tour. During his reign as the skipper, India became one of the most feared sides in Test cricket and won their first-ever Test series in Australia during the 2018 tour.

The batter retired from the Test format in 2025 after playing 123 games and scoring 9230 runs with 30 Test tons. His last century was during the Perth Test of the Australia tour in 2024/25.

For the rest of the series, India’s star batter could only manage 90 runs as the visiting side lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India ends day one at 288/2

Speaking about the SL vs India 1st Test, Devdutt Padikkal scored 131 not out off 178 balls to take his side to 288/2 after 73 overs. Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 27 runs. Two spells of rain meant that the game lost a fair bit of time on the opening day of the series opener.

Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal was run-out after amassing 32 off 37 balls. KL Rahul retired hurt on 77 after suffering cramps post the tea session. He will be expected to resume his innings at some point during India’s 1st innings. Shubman Gill was out after scoring 16 runs.