In the third successive day, India continued to dominate the Sri Lankan by taking a lead of 498 at the end of the third day. The Indian bowlers despite a good performance by Perera and Mathews, they bowled Sri Lanka for 291. Giving rest to the Indian bowlers, captain Kohli decided not to enforce the follow-on. Mukund was out in the last over while Kohli remained not out.
Starting on the overnight score of 154 for 5, Mathews and Dilruwan Perera started on a bright note hitting boundaries putting pressure on the Indian bowlers. Both of them added 51 runs before Mathews was dismissed by Jadeja for 83. Perera looked in excellent touch smashing the Indian bowlers. He completed his half century off 94 balls. Herath, Pradeep tried to give support to Perera. Perera played with positive intent. At lunch, Sri Lanka were 289 for 8.
The Sri Lankan team were bowled in the 2nd over after lunch for 291 as Perera was stranded on 92 as India earned a massive lead of 309. Virat Kohli did not enforce the follow on. Shikhar Dhawan and Mukund started the 2nd innings on a positive note. Dhawan was dismissed trying to hit a big shot for 14 runs. Mukund and Pujara steadied the innings with positive intent shown by both players. Both of them added 37 runs for the second wicket. Pujara was dismissed by Kumara for 15 before the rain arrived with the score at 56 for 2 and tea was called.
The third session started after quite a long delay. Kohli looked in good touch timing the ball while Mukund played a steady knock. He scored his half century in 78 balls while Kohli completed his half century off 68 balls. Both of them put on 133 runs for the third wicket as Mukund was dismissed by Gunathilkha at the last over for 81. India ended the 3rd day at 189 for 3 with a massive lead of 498. Kohli remained not out on 76. The Indian test captain became the first captain to score 1000 runs in fewer innings.
India 189 for 3 in 46.3 overs ( Mukund 81, Kohli 76*,) and 600 in 133.1 overs ( Dhawan 190, Pujara 153, Rahane 57, Pandya 50, Nuwan Pradeep 6/132) lead Sri Lanka 291 in 78.3 overs ( Mathews 83, Dilwuran Perera 92*, Tharanga 64, Ravindra Jadeja 3/67) by 498 runs