Devdutt Padikkal firmly established his credentials as India’s primary top-order option by crafting a sensational century during the series opener against Sri Lanka in Galle. Entering the playing XI strictly as a replacement after first-choice No. 3 Sai Sudharsan was sidelined with an injury, the stylish left-hander capitalized on the unexpected opening to transform a bench spot into a match-defining performance.
Ton-up Padikkal breaks Pujara's record
His marathon knock of 167 rewriting the history books on multiple fronts. By reaching three figures on Saturday, Padikkal became the first Indian cricketer ever to hit a Test match century on Independence Day (August 15). Crossing the 150-run milestone off 215 deliveries also placed him in elite company alongside Virender Sehwag, Shikhar Dhawan, and Cheteshwar Pujara as one of only four Indians to score over 150 in a Test innings at Galle.
Beyond individual accolades, the innings snapped a prolonged dry spell for India's top order, bringing an end to a 19-Test, 35-inning drought without a century from the No. 3 position. Padikkal's 167 now stands as the second-highest Test score by an Indian left-hander batting at three, trailing only Vinod Kambli's historic double-centuries (227 and 224). Besides that, he also broke Pujara's record for highest individual score by an Indian while batting at no.3 in Tests against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.
India batters with highest Individual scores at no.3 vs SL in Sri Lanka in Tests:
167 – Devdutt Padikkal, Galle, 2026,
153 – Cheteshwar Pujara, Galle, 2017
133 – Cheteshwar Pujara, Colombo (SSC), 2017
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Indian batters put India on top
Opting to bat after winning the toss, Indian skipper Shubman Gill saw his side build a command performance on Day 1, headlined by a solid opening stand of 47 from Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. Following Jaiswal's exit for a brisk 32, Rahul joined forces with Devdutt Padikkal for a dominant 150-run partnership that anchored the innings before Rahul was temporarily forced off the field retired hurt.
Gill got his eye in but couldn't capitalize on a promising start, while Rishabh Pant chipped in with a useful 39. Rahul later returned to the middle to continue his effort, though he ultimately fell just short of a milestone on 82. Supported by Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, India comfortably reached 376/5 by the close of play, positioning themselves to push for a massive total while keeping one eye on potential weather interruptions.