Galle: Padikkal’s maiden Test century leads India’s strong start against Sri Lanka
Devdutt Padikkal achieved his maiden Test century on the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series against Sri Lanka in Galle. He remained unbeaten on 131, with Rishabh Pant on 27, as stumps were called. This performance marked a significant moment for India, especially as it occurred on Independence Day, making Padikkal only the second Indian to score an international century on this date, following Virat Kohli‘s previous ODI feat.
Padikkal‘s century, a knock of 107* off 147 balls, included nine fours and a six, achieving a strike rate of over 72 before rain briefly interrupted play. This innings was particularly notable as it was his third Test match and addressed a previous batting struggle for India at the number three position. It is the first century for India at number three since Shubman Gill‘s ton in September 2024.
India’s Opening Day Performance
After Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first, India‘s openers began with a brisk pace. Yashasvi Jaiswal initiated the attacking strokeplay while KL Rahul settled in. However, Jaiswal‘s innings concluded at 32 after a run-out due to a miscommunication between the batters.
Padikkal, who had recently showcased strong form in a tour game by smashing a hundred, continued his impressive run at Galle. His entry helped India build on their initial good start, even after rain briefly halted play following the first session. Both Padikkal and Rahul reached their half-centuries during the second session, and their partnership crossed 100 in the 42nd over. The scoring rate increased towards the end of the session, with India finishing at 197/1, as both batters neared their centuries.
At the start of the third session, Rahul, who had scored 77, experienced discomfort in his bottom hand and was forced to retire hurt. Skipper Gill then joined Padikkal at the crease. Padikkal soon secured his maiden Test century, a significant milestone in his career.
The partnership between Padikkal and Gill continued until Prabath Jayasuriya ended his long wicket drought in Galle, which had spanned almost 97 overs. Gill‘s shot was caught at mid-off by Lahiru Igalagamage, bringing Rishabh Pant to the crease. Pant joined Padikkal and contributed with aggressive batting towards the close of play, hitting three fours and a six.
Padikkal’s Recent Form and Historical Context
Padikkal‘s recent first-class form has been exceptional, with 702 runs in 10 innings at an average of 87.75, including three centuries and two fifties. His scores leading up to this Test century include:
- 9 and 120* against Punjab in Mohali
- 17 and 39 against Mumbai in BKC Mumbai (Ranji quarterfinal)
- 232 and absent hurt against Uttarakhand in Lucknow (Ranji semifinal)
- 11 against J&K in Hubli (Ranji Trophy final)
- 12 and 67 against SL-A in Galle
- 94 and DNB (Did not Bat) against SL-A in Galle
- 101* against Sri Lanka in Galle
Additionally, he scored 142* off 164 balls in a practice game against SLCXI in Colombo NCCC, an unofficial match.
This century by Padikkal holds historical significance beyond his personal achievement. He is the first Indian Test centurion on Independence Day, joining Virat Kohli, who scored an ODI century on the same day. Kohli‘s century was 114* off 99 balls against the West Indies in an ODI, a match that extended into August 15 due to rain. Kohli is also the only Indian cricketer to have international tons on both Independence Day and Republic Day, with 116 against Australia in 2012 marking his first-ever Test century.
The number three batting position for India has seen challenges since Shubman Gill‘s century against Bangladesh in Chennai in September 2024. In the 19 Tests since that match, India had tried seven different batters at number three, who collectively averaged just 27.28, with only five fifty-plus scores in 35 innings. Padikkal‘s performance in his third Test match, particularly with Sai Sudharsan ruled out due to injury, positions him as a strong contender for this crucial batting slot.
India will resume their innings on day two at a score of 288/2.
Source: icc-cricket.com
