Devdutt Padikkal Scores Maiden Test Century with 167 Against Sri Lanka in Galle
Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal registered his first Test century, scoring an impressive 167 runs against Sri Lanka during the ongoing Test match at the Galle International Stadium. Padikkal’s innings placed India in a strong position, helping the team reach 460 for nine by stumps on the second day after electing to bat first.
What Happened
In what marks India’s 600th Test match, India captained their way to a strong start after winning the toss and choosing to bat at the Galle International Stadium. Devdutt Padikkal, making his first Test appearance since November 2024, anchored the innings from the number three position. India concluded the opening day on Saturday, August 15, at 288 for two. Padikkal’s knock ended at 167 runs off 230 deliveries, an innings studded with 15 boundaries and one six. Supported by his contribution, India carried forward their momentum before closing day two on 460 for nine, with Padikkal remaining the highest individual run-getter of the innings.
Key Highlights
- Padikkal struck his maiden Test century, finishing with 167 off 230 balls, featuring 15 fours and one six.
- He became the first Indian left-handed batsman to score a Test hundred at the number three spot since Sourav Ganguly achieved the feat in 2002.
- The innings marked the first Test century by an Indian number three batter since Shubman Gill scored one against Bangladesh in Chennai in September 2024.
- India ended day one at 288 for two and progressed to 460 for nine by the end of day two.
- The match represents India’s milestone 600th Test appearance.
Why This Matters
Padikkal’s performance addresses a notable gap in India’s batting lineup at the key number three spot. His knock makes him the first Indian left-hander in more than two decades to score a Test hundred from this position, following Sourav Ganguly in 2002. Additionally, it ended a drought for centuries from India’s number three position dating back to Shubman Gill’s hundred against Bangladesh in September 2024. Padikkal noted after day two that his proactive strategy against spin bowling was the result of extensive preparation over the past two years, where he focused on executing planned shots rather than solely reacting to bowlers.
What to Watch Next
With India sitting at 460 for nine after two days of play, attention shifts to whether the team will issue an overnight declaration ahead of day three to put Sri Lanka in to bat, especially considering that substantial match time has already been lost due to rain interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many runs did Devdutt Padikkal score against Sri Lanka?
Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 runs off 230 balls, hitting 15 fours and one six.
When did an Indian left-hander last hit a Test century at number three?
Prior to Padikkal’s knock, the last Indian left-handed batsman to score a Test century at number three was Sourav Ganguly in 2002.
What is India’s score at the end of day two in Galle?
India reached 460 for nine by stumps on day two of the Galle Test.
Source: Crictracker