Galle, August 15: Devdutt Padikkal struck an unbeaten 131 to register his maiden Test century and lead India to 288 for two at stumps on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.
Padikkal faced 178 deliveries and remained at the crease alongside Rishabh Pant, who closed on 27 not out. Rain and fading light limited the day’s play to 73 overs.
Maiden Test century anchors India’s innings
India chose to bat and lost Yashasvi Jaiswal for 32 in a run-out, bringing Padikkal to the crease at No. 3. The left-hander settled patiently before expanding his scoring options against Sri Lanka’s attack.
His controlled innings gave India stability and allowed the visitors to maintain a healthy scoring rate despite interruptions. Padikkal balanced defence with regular rotation of strike, preventing Sri Lanka from building sustained pressure around him.
Rahul adds 77 before retiring hurt
KL Rahul contributed 77 from 162 balls before leaving the field with cramps after tea. His innings, which included nine fours and a six, helped India build a substantial platform with Padikkal.
Captain Shubman Gill was later dismissed, but Pant’s positive unbeaten cameo ensured India finished the day in control. Pant’s presence also gives India an attacking option when play resumes.
India eye a major first-innings total
With eight wickets in hand and Padikkal well set, India will begin Day 2 with an opportunity to turn a strong opening into a commanding first-innings score.
The century also strengthens Padikkal’s case for a sustained role at No. 3. For Sri Lanka, the priority will be to strike early and prevent India’s middle and lower order from taking the match away.
Conditions at Galle often bring spin into the contest as a Test progresses, increasing the value of India’s strong first-day platform. A substantial first-innings total would allow the visitors to apply scoreboard pressure when Sri Lanka bat.
Padikkal’s unbeaten hundred was the defining performance of the opening day, combining patience against spin with enough attacking intent to keep the scoreboard moving. The match page lists the Test at Galle from August 15 to 19.
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