SL vs IND: Devdutt Padikkal ends India's 2-year wait for Test century at No. 3

Devdutt Padikkal hit his maiden Test century two years after making his Test debut, bringing up his three-figure score against Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the Galle Test. Padikkal reached his hundred in just 134 deliveries, dominating the Sri Lankan bowling attack on the opening day of the much-awaited two-Test series in the island nation. SL vs IND, 1st Test Day 1 Updates | Scorecard

Devdutt Padikkal became the first batter since Shubman Gill in 2024 to score a hundred for India at the coveted No. 3 spot. Padikkal made the most of the opportunity that came his way after regular No. 3 Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the series due to injury. Devdutt headed into the series on the back of a hundred in a three-day warm-up match against a Sri Lankan XI at the NCC Ground in Colombo last week.

Devdutt punched the air in delight after getting to his hundred in the post-tea session. Coach Gautam Gambhir appeared thrilled as he was seen appreciating the young left-hander from the dressing room.

Sai, who had been given a long rope at the No. 3 spot, had struggled for consistency. However, the Tamil Nadu batter had been warming up well for the Test series, scoring two hundreds during India’s tour of Sri Lanka in June-July with the India A team. He was, however, ruled out of the series due to a toe injury. Devdutt was given the opportunity on the back of stellar domestic performances and a dominant showing in IPL 2026 with champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Padikkal looked in complete control, decisive off both the back foot and front foot, making batting look easy on a pitch that was good for batting on Day 1. On a humid day that was interrupted by a brief spell of rain, Devdutt was never hurried by either pace or spin. He stitched together a 150-run partnership with KL Rahul, who retired hurt on 77 after the tea break on Saturday.

More to follow.

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