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Devdutt Padikkal Hits Maiden Test Century On Independence Day in Galle
By CricShots - Aug 15, 2026 5:38 pm
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Devdutt Padikkal marked a major milestone in his Test career by scoring his maiden international century against Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the first Test in Galle. The left-handed batter reached his hundred in 134 deliveries, producing a confident and composed innings as India made the most of a good batting surface.

devdutt padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal

Padikkal’s century came nearly two years after his Test debut and made him the first Indian batter since Shubman Gill in 2024 to score a Test hundred at the crucial No. 3 position. He grabbed the opportunity after regular No. 3 Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the Sri Lanka series with a toe injury.

The Karnataka batter entered the series in excellent form. He had scored an unbeaten 142 in India’s three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the NCC Ground in Colombo, giving the team management plenty of reasons to back him for the opening Test. After reaching his century, Padikkal celebrated by punching the air in delight. India head coach Gautam Gambhir was also visibly pleased, applauding the young batter from the dressing room.

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Padikkal’s opportunity came after Sudharsan, who had been given an extended run at No. 3, missed the series through injury. Sudharsan had shown promising form during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka earlier in the summer, scoring two centuries, but his injury opened the door for Padikkal.

The left-hander made the most of it with a technically assured innings. He was decisive against both pace and spin, using his front-foot and back-foot strokes effectively while refusing to be rushed by the Sri Lankan attack.

The Galle conditions were challenging due to heat and humidity, while a brief spell of rain also interrupted play. However, Padikkal remained composed and continued to rotate the strike while finding boundaries whenever opportunities arose.

He also formed a crucial partnership with KL Rahul. The pair added 150 runs for the second wicket before Rahul retired hurt on 77 after the tea break due to severe cramps.

WATCH – Devdutt Padikkal Smashes Prabath Jayasuriya For First Six Of Galle Test

Padikkal’s century not only strengthened India’s position in the Galle Test but also provided a timely answer to the questions surrounding their No. 3 position. His performance could give the team management a major selection boost for the remainder of the Sri Lanka series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags centuryDevdutt PadikkalGalle TestIndependence DayIndia vs Sri Lanka