India batter Devdutt Padikkal entered the history books after he slammed his maiden Test century in the series opener against Sri Lanka in Galle on Saturday. Padikkal, who was slotted at No. Padikkal became the second left-hander to score a Test hundred from No.
3 by India in the absence of the injured Sai Sudharsan, took 134 balls to reach triple figures, having attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers from the start. 3 for India in the 21st century, after Sourav Ganguly, who had scored 136 against Zimbabwe in Delhi in 2002.
Meanwhile, India suffered a massive blow at the start of the final session as vice-captain KL Rahul had to retire hurt with cramps. Rahul, who had reached 77 not out, initially walked out towards the middle but appeared to be struggling with his right hand.
Rahul’s departure brought an end to his unbeaten 150-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal, who was not out on 84 at that time. India captain Shubman Gill joined Padikkal as India resumed their innings at 197/1.
