Colombo, Aug 21 (DHNS): Young opener K L Rahul emerged as the star performer for India on a grinding day of Test cricket, stroking his way to a pugnacious century against Sri Lanka here at the P Sara Oval on Thursday.

The 23-year-old Bengalurean, who managed a mere 12 runs from two innings in the first Test at Galle, made the best use of being dropped on 11 as he recomposed himself before opening his shoulders and slamming a 190-ball 108 — his second century — as India ended the day at 319/6 in 87.2 overs.

A key member in Karnataka’s back-to-back Ranji Trophy wins over the last two seasons, Rahul showed why he is considered among the best young batsmen in the country with a determined knock. Just like in Sydney, where he put aside failures in the preceding Melbourne Test, the gifted right-hander, barring that early loose shot when he was grassed by Jehan Mubarak at gully, was rock-solid throughout.

In the company of Virat Kohli, he dug deep when the going was tough and under the sweltering sun, he flourished with every passage of play. Driving with authority, he gave another glimpse of why he’s spoken about so highly on the domestic circuit and a talent worth being invested in.

Until the end when he fell while trying to pull a ball wide of off stump, he looked in no discomfort whatsoever. His defences were brilliant and concentration top notch. Perhaps, the only thing that may rile him is throwing his wicket away when he was on course for big one.

But then Rahul is just four matches old and is certain to learn from his mistakes. He has made a fine start to his international career, he just needs to kick on from here.