Cricket / Devdutt Padikkal’s Maiden Century Lights up India’s 600th Test

Galle, Aug 15: Playing his first Test since November 2024, Devdutt Padikkal announced himself in style with a maiden century as India dominated Sri Lanka on day one of their historic 600th Test at the Galle International Stadium. India closed at 288/2 in 73 overs when bad light and rain forced an early end to play on Saturday.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India’s openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (32) and vice‑captain KL Rahul provided a fluent start. Jaiswal looked assured before falling, while Rahul compiled a composed 77 before retiring hurt in the final session due to severe cramps.

Padikkal, however, seized the opportunity to anchor the innings, showcasing crisp back‑foot play, sharp footwork, and relentless running between the wickets.

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The left‑hander reached his century in 134 balls, driving debutant off‑spinner Keshara Nuwantha to mid‑off in the 57th over. His knock of 131 not out from 178 deliveries included 12 fours and a six. In doing so, Padikkal became the first left‑handed batter since Sourav Ganguly in 2002 to score a Test hundred at number three for India.

He also filled the void left by injured Sai Sudharsan, becoming the first Indian to reach three figures at that position since Shubman Gill’s century against Bangladesh in Chennai in September 2024.

Captain Gill partnered Padikkal briefly, striking two elegant boundaries before miscuing a lofted shot off Prabath Jayasuriya to mid‑off for 16. Rishabh Pant then joined Padikkal and immediately adopted an aggressive approach.

After settling in, Pant launched Jayasuriya over wide long‑on for six, slogged him for four, and punished Nuwantha with two more boundaries. His unbeaten 27 off 36 balls helped forge a 52‑run stand with Padikkal.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled with consistency, allowing India’s batters to dictate terms. Padikkal in particular punished loose deliveries, sweeping Nuwantha and pulling Dhananjaya de Silva through mid‑wicket with authority. A brief rain delay halted play for 20 minutes, but the Indian duo returned to continue their dominance.

With 17 overs lost to bad light, India will resume on day two in a commanding position, eyeing a first‑innings total well beyond 500. Play is scheduled to start 15 minutes early at 9:45 am local time, with Padikkal and Pant set to extend India’s advantage in this milestone Test.

Brief scores: India 288/2 in 73 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 131 not out, KL Rahul 77 retired hurt; Prabath Jayasuriya 1-77) against Sri Lanka.

(IANS)