Playing in Tests for the first time since November 2024, Devdutt Padikkal hit his maiden Test century as India dominated Sri Lanka, reaching 288/2 in 73 overs at stumps after bad light and rain brought an early close to the opening day of the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday.
But Padikkal looked the part to get a big score – nailing his shots, especially off the back foot. Having opted to bat first after winning the toss in their 600th Test, India were given a fluent start by their opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal (32) and vice-captain KL Rahul, who retired hurt on 77 in the final session due to cramps. Resuming in the final session after Rahul retired hurt due to severe body cramps, Padikkal accelerated smoothly alongside captain Shubman Gill.
Facing pacer Lahiru Kumara, Padikkal collected consecutive boundaries before driving Keshara Nuwantha to mid-off in the 57th over to get his century in 134 balls. Padikkal became the first left-handed batter since Sourav Ganguly in 2002 to score a Test hundred at number three for India, and took full advantage of his inclusion in place of the injured Sai Sudharsan. It’s also the first century hit by an Indian batter at number three since Gill hit one against Bangladesh in Chennai in September 2024.
Bad light ultimately forced the umpires to end the day’s play early, with 17 overs remaining. India will resume their innings on day two targeting a total well past 500, with play scheduled to start 15 minutes early at 9:45 am local time.
