Ajinkya Rahane hit his fourth Test century as India declared on 325 for 8, setting Sri Lanka a target of 413 on the penultimate day of the second Test at the P Sara Oval on Sunday.
The overnight pair of Vijay and Rahane came out batting positively. The visitors scored freely in both the sessions, with Vijay displaying his aggression by hitting both Dushmantha Chameera and Kaushal for six in the morning session.
Especially, Vijay who went from first gear to fifth gear and played some exhilarating strokes after completing his fifty. He was part-restricted in his movement due to some noticeable hamstring problems which is why he perhaps decided that he wasn't going to do a lot of running today.
His innings provided India with the impetus this morning and ruled out any prospects of a collapse. Vijay missed out on his hundred though after being trapped LBW to Kaushal looking to go for a big slog sweep.
Sri Lankan off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal, who bowled the bulk of the day's overs, claimed four wickets.
Kaushal had the last laugh as he ended the 140-run stand trapping Vijay leg before after the batsman went for a sweep shot and missed the line.
The 22-year-old spinner dealt another blow when he accounted for rival captain Virat Kohli who also fell leg before.
Rahane (126) showed the temperament that prompted his promotion to number three in the batting order but he was not afraid to attempt an occasional cheeky shot, like the reverse-sweep for four off Kaushal that brought up his 50.
Rahane carried on in typical calm fashion and kicked on to his hundred though, his fourth in Tests. It was a knock of the highest order and he looked sublime.
He added 85 runs with Rohit Sharma (34) to consolidate India's position and took 212 balls to complete his century before Kaushal dismissed both.
For Sri Lanka, pacer Dhammika Prasad (4-43) and off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal (4-118) shared the Indian wickets. The duo didn't allow the Indian lower-order to score freely after claiming Rahane and Rohit Sharma (34).
India scored at a healthy four-an-over run rate in the second session and their only worry appeared to be the fitness of wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha, who retired hurt with strain.
Sri Lanka were set a target of 413 runs to win the fixture and take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Many things transpired on Day 4 of this 2nd Test at the P Sara Oval but it's really hard to look beyond the 18 balls of greatness.
Sanga walked in to another guard of honor and looked fidgety perhaps trying too hard on this momentous occasion.
He came, lifted the crowd on its feet with a delightful flick followed by a sumptuous straight drive.
He then departed getting out for 18 in his final Test innings to close out a 15 year career crowned with astonishing achievements.
It was Ashwin though who snaffled him, making out 4 out of 4 this series, with another beautifully flighted delivery which Sanga tried to defend but ended up edging to second slip.
However, many of the Indian players, including skipper Virat Kohli went up to him to shake hands.
The crowd took a while to come to grips with what had just happened but rose to bid their hero a goodbye one final time.
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