The left-handed opener struck 31 boundaries in a blazing 168-ball knock and it was the second time he had scored a century in a single Test session, having made 187 on his debut against Australia — including 106 in one session.

Dhawan scored 126 off just 90 balls between lunch and tea. He became only the second batsman after Donald Bradman and Virender Sehwag score more 100-plus runs in a single session twice.

The innings was especially sweet for Dhawan, who was made to sit out of India’s last 11 Tests following a dip in form.

Dhawan’s last Test century was at the same venue, during India’s 2015 tour of the island nation. India lost the Galle match but went on to win the remaining two games to pocket the series 2-1.

Feature image: Reuters