Ishant's burst, Rahane's statement

Having chosen to bat, India were quickly reduced to 12 for 2. KL Rahul, who had failed twice in the first Test, profited from an early let-off, dug deep, and scored his second Test century to set up India's first-innings total of 393.

Angelo Mathews and Lahiru Thirimanne were eating into India's lead with a century stand for the fourth wicket, and had taken Sri Lanka to 241 for 3 when Ishant Sharma intervened. He dismissed Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal in quick succession to help India secure an 87-run first-innings lead.

Early in Sri Lanka's first innings, Stuart Binny thought he had his first Test wicket when he had Kaushal Silva caught behind. It wasn't to be, though, as replays confirmed he had overstepped. But he wasn't to be denied for too long. Another ball that seamed away just a touch, and India had the big fish: Mathews c Vijay b Binny.

In the first innings, Ajinkya Rahane was out early, playing a loose shot after coming in at No. 3, having swapped places with Rohit Sharma in the batting order. He walked in early once again, in the second innings, with India looking to build on their first-innings lead and set Sri Lanka a big target. He did his job to perfection, scoring his fourth Test hundred and helping India set a target of 413.

India were always going to look to R Ashwin to lead their attack in the fourth innings, and he didn't disappoint. He dented Sri Lanka's chances early, picking up two wickets on the fourth evening - including the retiring Kumar Sangakkara's, for the fourth time in four innings - and then took three more on the fifth morning to pick up his 12th five-for and give India a memorable, series-leveling win.