Devdutt Padikkal marked his return to international cricket with a maiden Test century, reaching triple figures on India’s opening day at Galle. The left-handed batter struck 131 runs off 178 deliveries, combining aggressive strokeplay with technical soundness as India accumulated 288-2 in their first innings. Padikkal’s achievement came after a 22-month absence from the Test squad, during which he recovered from injury while maintaining consistent domestic form.
The century holds significance for Indian cricket beyond Padikkal’s individual milestone. His innings ended a lengthy drought for the number three position, which had gone without a Test century across 35 innings. The previous such score came from captain Shubman Gill against Bangladesh in 2024. Additionally, Padikkal became the first Indian batter to register a Test hundred on Independence Day, cementing a historic performance that earned congratulations from team management including head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Padikkal’s batting approach demonstrated particular aptitude against spin bowling, a traditional challenge for Indian batters. He employed footwork intelligently, moved swiftly within the crease, and utilized wrist technique effectively to counter Sri Lanka’s spinners throughout his innings. Prior form suggested this success was no anomaly, having scored 142 runs in a warm-up fixture before the Test series commenced.
India’s batting unit faced early setbacks when opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32 and Gill departed after scoring 16. However, Padikkal and KL Rahul stabilized the innings through a substantial partnership, adding 150 runs together. Rahul subsequently retired hurt due to cramps, while Rishabh Pant continued accumulating runs to maintain momentum toward the close.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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