Padikkal turns opportunity into a landmark century

Devdutt Padikkal made an emphatic return to India’s Test side, scoring an unbeaten 131 as India took control of the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. India reached 288/2 in 73 overs on a rain-interrupted day, with Rishabh Pant unbeaten on 27 alongside Padikkal at stumps.

Padikkal was drafted into the No. 3 position after Sai Sudharsan’s injury setback and seized the chance immediately. He struck a boundary from his first delivery, then advanced down the track to hit Prabath Jayasuriya for six. His confident approach continued throughout an innings that mixed watchful defence with attacking shots against Sri Lanka’s spinners.

Rahul’s composed 77 ends with injury scare

KL Rahul provided the early stability, making 77 from 162 balls with nine fours and a six. He and Padikkal rebuilt India’s innings after Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32 following a collision with the bowler at the non-striker’s end. Their second-wicket partnership added 150 runs before Rahul was forced to retire hurt shortly after tea.

Rahul experienced severe cramps and discomfort in his right hand and received medical attention before leaving the field with the team physiotherapist. His departure did not halt India’s progress: Padikkal continued to attack, while Shubman Gill joined him at the crease.

Historic No. 3 hundred

Padikkal reached his maiden Test century from 134 balls and finished with 12 fours and a six from 178 deliveries. The performance ended India’s wait for a Test hundred from the No. 3 position since Shubman Gill’s century against Bangladesh in Chennai in September 2024.

He also became only the second Indian left-handed batter in the 21st century to score a Test century at No. 3, following Sourav Ganguly’s 136 against Zimbabwe in 2002. Padikkal’s hundred carried another distinction: he became the first Indian to score a Test century on Independence Day and only the second Indian to score an international century on August 15, after Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 114 against the West Indies in 2019.

Gill made 16 before Jayasuriya claimed Sri Lanka’s only bowler-credited wicket of the day, mistiming an attempted big shot. Pant then joined Padikkal and added quick runs, including a six and a four against Jayasuriya, to push India beyond 280 before another interruption ended play.

The result was a dominant opening day for India in the team’s 600th Test. Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to exploit the assistance available to spin, while Padikkal’s extended stay at the crease left India firmly placed to build a substantial first-innings total.