Devdutt Padikkal’s exceptional performance in the inaugural Test match against Sri Lanka concluded with a magnificent score of 167 runs from 230 deliveries in Galle. Having already secured his maiden Test century on the first day, Padikkal continued his impressive form on the rain-affected second day, ultimately achieving his first Test score exceeding 150. The left-handed batsman adorned his memorable innings with 15 boundaries and a towering six, effectively anchoring India’s innings and maintaining the visiting team’s dominant position despite intermittent disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions.
With this substantial score of over 150, Padikkal has entered an exclusive group, becoming only the third Indian batsman to achieve such a feat against Sri Lanka while batting at the No. 3 position. He now stands alongside cricketing legends Rahul Dravid, who scored an impressive 177 runs in Ahmedabad in 2009, and Cheteshwar Pujara, who contributed 153 runs in Galle in 2017. Padikkal’s masterful innings was particularly noteworthy given the extensive delays. The day’s play eventually commenced after a substantial four-and-a-half-hour postponement due to relentless rain, with further weather interruptions persistently impacting the Test match.
Sri Lanka finally secured the much-needed breakthrough when Prabath Jayasuriya skillfully dismissed the well-settled Padikkal. The batsman advanced down the pitch, but Jayasuriya keenly anticipated this movement, delivering the ball quicker and flatter around the off stump. Padikkal misjudged the delivery, allowing wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella to collect it cleanly and swiftly dislodge the bails. The 24-year-old received a well-deserved standing ovation from the Galle crowd as he returned to the pavilion, a testament to his superb effort, with his Indian teammates also rising to applaud his remarkable achievement.
Padikkal was entrusted with the crucial No. 3 position following Sudharsan’s injury and he responded with a truly career-defining performance. His maiden century also etched his name in history as the first Indian batsman to score a Test century on Independence Day, and he became only the second Indian cricketer, after Virat Kohli, to achieve an international century on August 15th.
Once play finally recommenced, India experienced two rapid setbacks. Rishabh Pant was dismissed for 39 runs off 62 balls, caught by Sonal Dinusha at short mid-off while attempting to play Keshara Nuwantha. KL Rahul, who had retired hurt with cramps on the first day, returned to the crease but was unable to convert his promising start into a century. He was eventually dismissed for 82 runs off 175 balls, with Nishan Fernando taking a sharp catch at short leg off the bowling of Nuwantha.
