SL vs IND: Devdutt Padikkal’s Belligerent Ton Rattles Sri Lanka

India ended the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka firmly in control, and at the centre of their dominance was Devdutt Padikkal, who turned an opportunity at No. 3 into a statement innings. Devdutt Padikkal smashed an unbeaten 131 off 178 balls, including 12 fours and a six, as India finished Day 1 on 288/2 at Galle. 

Devdutt Padikkal turns opportunity into a statement

Devdutt Padikkal’s inclusion had come with plenty at stake. With Sai Sudharsan unavailable, the Karnataka batter was handed the No. 3 position, a role that has remained unsettled for India. Devdutt Padikkal’s response could hardly have been stronger.

After Yashasvi Jaiswal’s run-out for 32, Devdutt Padikkal joined KL Rahul when the score was 47-1 in 11 overs and initially adopted a controlled approach. But as his innings developed, the left-handed batter began to take increasing command of the Sri Lankan attack.

Devdutt Padikkal’s century came from 134 balls, featuring nine fours and a six, and marked his maiden Test hundred. More importantly, it ended India’s wait for a century from the No. 3 position that had stretched back to September 2024. 

The numbers also show how intelligently Padikkal constructed his innings. Cricbuzz’s analysis recorded him scoring 82 runs from 95 balls off the back foot, at a strike rate of 86.31, while his front-foot scoring was considerably more measured. That ability to adjust his method against different lengths was central to his success. 

KL Rahul Partnership Gives India the Platform

Devdutt Padikkal’s innings was complemented brilliantly by KL Rahul. The pair added 150 runs for the second wicket, transforming India’s position after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal. KL Rahul eventually retired hurt after Tea with cramps, having made 77, but the damage had already been done. 

The partnership was significant because it prevented Sri Lanka from building pressure after their first breakthrough. India scored 96 without losing a wicket in the second session, with Padikkal and Rahul both reaching their fifties. 

Sri Lanka Struggle to Find Answers

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack failed to maintain consistent pressure throughout the day. Their new-ball discipline allowed India’s batters to settle, while the spinners struggled to consistently exploit a surface that offered some assistance.

Even after KL Rahul’s departure, Padikkal continued to control the tempo. Shubman Gill briefly joined him but fell for 16 while attempting to accelerate as India’s score at that time was 236-2 in 61.5 overs. That dismissal could have given Sri Lanka an opening, yet Rishabh Pant arrived and ensured India’s momentum remained intact.

By stumps, Devdutt Padikkal and Rishabh Pant had added an unbeaten 52, with Pant on 27. India had also scored 49 runs in the final 10 overs without losing a wicket.

More Than Just a Century by Devdutt Padikkal

Padikkal’s 131 not out is therefore more than a maiden Test century. It is a strong argument for stability at No. 3. The biggest positive for India is not simply that Padikkal scored heavily, but how he did it. He absorbed pressure early, attacked when the bowlers offered opportunities and remained composed even as wickets fell around him.

With India already 288/2 at stumps, Sri Lanka face a difficult second day. For Padikkal, meanwhile, one innings may have changed the conversation around India’s No. 3 spot. 

Also Read: SL vs IND: Devdutt Padikkal’s Ton Dominates Sri Lanka