IND vs SL: Devdutt Padikkal Hits Maiden Test Century to Put India in Command

Devdutt Padikkal announced himself on the international Test stage in style by scoring his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka on the opening day of the first Test in Galle. The left-handed batter took full advantage of India’s decision to bat first and produced a controlled innings that helped the visitors establish a dominant position.

Playing only his third Test since making his debut in 2024, Padikkal showed excellent composure after coming to the crease following the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal. His century arrived from 134 deliveries and underlined his growing credentials as a potential long-term option at No. 3 for India.

Devdutt Padikkal scores maiden international century

Padikkal entered the contest in the 11th over after a mix-up between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal resulted in Jaiswal being run out. India had lost an established opening partnership, but Padikkal ensured that the setback did not allow Sri Lanka to build pressure.

The Karnataka batter settled into his innings before gradually increasing the tempo. His ability to combine defensive technique with attacking strokes allowed him to negotiate the Sri Lankan bowling attack effectively.

Padikkal eventually completed his maiden Test hundred from 134 balls, marking a significant milestone in his young international career.

Padikkal strengthens India’s No. 3 option

The century could have major implications for India’s long-term batting plans. Padikkal was handed the No. 3 role after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the Test series through injury.

The opportunity came at an important stage of Padikkal’s career, and he has responded impressively. His century in Galle followed an unbeaten 142 against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in India’s warm-up fixture in Colombo.

His ability to immediately translate domestic and warm-up form into a major Test innings could strengthen his case for an extended run in the Indian middle order.

Padikkal continues impressive red-ball form

Padikkal’s performance in Galle is not an isolated success. The Karnataka batter has developed an impressive record in red-ball cricket over the past couple of seasons.

Since 2024, he has accumulated 1,152 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 57.6, including four centuries. Those numbers demonstrate his ability to consistently contribute in the longer format.

His latest hundred against Sri Lanka further highlights his comfort at first drop and could strengthen the argument that India have found a reliable candidate for the No. 3 position.

India recover strongly after Jaiswal’s dismissal

India began the innings positively after captain Shubman Gill chose to bat first. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal initially provided a steady start before their partnership ended in unfortunate fashion.

Jaiswal was run out following a mix-up with Rahul, bringing Padikkal to the crease under pressure. Instead of allowing the dismissal to disrupt India’s momentum, Padikkal joined Rahul and helped rebuild the innings.

The pair subsequently produced a strong partnership and kept the Sri Lankan bowlers under pressure throughout the opening day.

KL Rahul also makes valuable contribution

While Padikkal dominated the headlines with his century, KL Rahul also played an important role in India’s strong batting display. The experienced opener provided stability at the other end and allowed Padikkal to settle into his innings.

Rahul reached his half-century before eventually being forced to leave the field while unbeaten on 77, according to the match update provided during the day.

His contribution ensured that India remained in control even after losing Jaiswal early in the innings.

India finish Day 1 in commanding position

India’s top order delivered a strong performance on the opening day, with Padikkal’s century becoming the defining moment of the innings. The visitors finished the day on 288/2, giving them an excellent platform to build a substantial first-innings total.

With Padikkal establishing himself at the crease and India possessing significant batting depth, Sri Lanka will need early wickets when play resumes to prevent the visitors from taking complete control of the Test.

India’s playing XI for the first Test

India’s XI for the opening Test features Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

Padikkal’s inclusion at No. 3 proved particularly significant after the injury to Sai Sudharsan, and his century has immediately justified the decision to back him in the role.

What Padikkal’s century means for India

For Padikkal, the century represents much more than a personal milestone. It provides valuable evidence that he can handle the demands of international Test cricket and perform under pressure.

For India, his innings offers another potential solution to the No. 3 position, an important role in the batting order. If Padikkal can maintain consistency, his performance in Galle could become the beginning of a significant phase in his Test career.

Bottom line

Devdutt Padikkal delivered a statement performance in Galle by scoring his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka. His 134-ball hundred helped India recover from Jaiswal’s early dismissal and dominate the opening day.

Coming off an unbeaten 142 in the warm-up game, Padikkal has now carried his red-ball form into international cricket. With India ending Day 1 on 288/2, the Karnataka batter’s breakthrough innings has put the visitors in a commanding position while strengthening his case for the No. 3 role.