Gautam Gambhir (167) and Virender Sehwag (131) were the architects of India's unrelenting dominance as the hosts batted themselves into a position from where they can dictate terms in the second cricket Test againsr Sri Lanka here on Tuesday.

The near-capacity Green Park witnessed a lop-sided opening day, completely dominated by the Indian batsmen and their blazing blades as the hosts cruised to a mammoth 417 for two and threatened to raise a run-mountain under which they can bury their opponents.

Arguably the most evolved batsman of recent times, Gambhir first starred in a blistering 233-run partnership with Sehwag in just 41.2 overs before forging another 137-run association with Rahul Dravid (85 not out). India's unyielding grip over all three sessions had the islanders totally at sea.

Right from Mahendra Singh Dhoni winning the toss, India hardly put a foot wrong today. Sehwag and Gambhir milked 131 runs in the 26-over morning session without being separated. The Sri Lankans did manage to cut short Sehwag's explosive stay in the second session but they bled 176 runs in that 33-over segment as India consolidated their position. India did not take the foot off the pedal, adding another 110 runs in the final session losing just one wicket to consolidate their position.

Dropped on zero, Sehwag earlier slammed an insouciant 122-ball 131, bejewelled with 18 delectable boundaries and two effortless sixes. In contrast, Gambhir's was a chanceless 215-ball knock, studded with 15 boundaries. Dravid's unbeaten 85 came off 153 balls and had eight fours in it.

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