India vice-captain KL Rahul admitted that the team was keeping a close eye on the weather during the final stages of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. India eventually secured a convincing 165-run victory, but the possibility of rain interrupting their charge added an extra layer of tension to the closing stages. A few minutes after young spinner Manav Suthar dismissed Keshara Nuwantha to complete his 10-wicket match haul, rain arrived at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.

The threat of showers had remained throughout the Test, but India managed to finish the job before the weather could become a major obstacle. Manav Suthar played a decisive role in the victory, producing a sensational spell in the second session of the final day. The left-arm spinner claimed three wickets in a single over to dismantle Sri Lanka’s lower order and help India take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Speaking after the win, KL Rahul revealed that the Indian players were constantly aware of the clouds overhead and wanted to finish the contest as quickly as possible. “Just relieved, honestly. We kept looking at the cloud upstairs and we knew there was one big shower coming, so we didn’t want to delay the game. We were trying to get the wickets as quickly as we can,” Rahul said.

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However, India’s concerns were not limited to the weather. Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha had frustrated the visitors during the opening session on the final day. The pair added 95 runs and appeared determined to extend the contest before Ravindra Jadeja finally broke the partnership. “Obviously, they had a decent partnership and once we broke that partnership, we felt like we were right back in the game,” Rahul explained.

The Indian batter also praised the quality of the Galle pitch, insisting that the 165-run margin did not accurately reflect how competitive the Test was. He pointed out that the surface offered assistance to spinners but still rewarded batters who showed patience and followed a clear plan.

Rahul highlighted Dinusha’s impressive batting, particularly his ability to counter India’s spinners by using sweeps and his feet effectively. He also noted that the fast bowlers from both teams made important contributions throughout the five days.

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“I think it was a great Test match. The wicket played really well throughout the five days. There was something in it for spinners, but the batters who applied themselves could get some runs,” KL Rahul said. India will now look to build on the momentum when the second Test begins in Colombo on August 23.