Devdutt Padikkal Hits Maiden Test Century as India Solidifies Position in Galle Test
Devdutt Padikkal registered his maiden Test century while batting at the No. 3 position for India on Day 1 of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka on August 15, 2026. The Karnataka left-hander reached three figures off 134 deliveries and advanced to 107 off 147 balls, steering India to 237 for 2 after 62 overs before being joined by Rishabh Pant. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised Padikkal on social media, describing him as a crucial asset against spin bowling on a challenging surface.
What Happened
India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bat first at the Galle International Stadium. Sri Lanka, led by captain Dhananjaya de Silva, deployed a spin-heavy bowling lineup featuring lead spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha. Jayasuriya dismissed Gill early for 16 when the captain mistimed a lofted drive to mid-off fielder Lahiru Udara. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was later run out for 32 following a mix-up with KL Rahul.
Padikkal joined Rahul at the crease and the pair established control by constructing a 150-run partnership for the second wicket across 252 deliveries. The partnership faced an interruption in the second session due to a rain and wet outfield delay lasting one hour and twenty minutes. Rahul contributed 77 runs off 162 deliveries before severe cramps forced him to retire out at the start of the third session.
Key Highlights
- Padikkal struck his first Test hundred in 134 balls, moving to 107 off 147 balls as India reached 237 for 2 in 62 overs.
- Padikkal and Rahul posted a 150-run stand from 252 balls on a surface offering more balance than standard Galle wickets.
- Rahul scored 77 runs from 162 balls before retiring out due to physical cramps.
- Sanjay Manjrekar commended Padikkal’s game sense and technique, calling him a godsend against spin on X.
- Padikkal became the first Indian left-handed batter to score a Test century from the No. 3 spot since Sourav Ganguly.
- The innings ended a century drought at No. 3 for India dating back to Shubman Gill’s hundred in September 2024.
Why This Matters
Padikkal received his opportunity in the starting eleven after Sai Sudharsan was sidelined with an injury, earning selection following consistent domestic performances. His century addresses a challenging period for India’s No. 3 batting slot. Since Gill’s century in September 2024, seven different batters occupied the position over 19 Test matches, collectively averaging 27.28 with five half-centuries across 35 innings. Padikkal’s milestone also marks the first time an Indian left-hander has scored a Test century at No. 3 since Sourav Ganguly, offering stability against spin bowling while India’s batting setup has faced scrutiny in spin-friendly conditions.
What to Watch Next
India will continue their first innings from 237 for 2, with Padikkal and Rishabh Pant looking to expand the total on a pitch that historically assists spin bowling more as the match progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many balls did Devdutt Padikkal take to reach his century?
Padikkal reached his maiden Test century in 134 balls and had advanced to 107 off 147 deliveries by the time Rishabh Pant joined him.
What did Sanjay Manjrekar say about Padikkal’s innings?
Sanjay Manjrekar wrote on X that Padikkal was a godsend for India against spin bowling, praising his game sense and his technique in both defence and attack.
Who was the last Indian left-hander to score a Test ton at No. 3?
Sourav Ganguly was the last Indian left-handed batter prior to Padikkal to record a Test century from the No. 3 position.
Why was Padikkal included in the playing XI?
Padikkal earned his place in the side after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out due to an injury, backed by strong performances in domestic cricket.
Source: Crictracker