Devdutt Padikkal made the most of an unexpected place in India’s XI by scoring his maiden Test century on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
India, after choosing to bat first, reached 288 for two by stumps. Padikkal was unbeaten on 131, with Rishabh Pant at the other end. The day was interrupted by rain more than once, but India still finished in a strong position after steady batting through the top order.
Padikkal came in at No. 3 after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out due to injury. His innings became the central story of the day, especially after India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal to a run out in the morning session. Padikkal first steadied the innings with K.L. Rahul and later carried on after Rahul retired hurt.
Padikkal and Rahul rebuild after early mix-up
India’s innings began with K.L. Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening under bright skies. Captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bat, a decision that looked sound as both openers found scoring chances early.
Jaiswal struck a four in the first over from Asitha Fernando. Rahul, who started more watchfully, also found the boundary when Lahiru Kumara tested him with short bowling. Sri Lanka turned to spin after eight overs, with captain Dhananjaya de Silva bringing on the slower bowlers as India’s start began to settle.
The opening stand ended through a run out. Rahul pushed debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha down the ground and set off. Jaiswal hesitated and became entangled near the bowler’s end. The throw came in quickly, and wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella removed the bails.
That brought Padikkal to the crease. Rahul appeared affected by the mix-up for a brief spell, but Padikkal’s positive approach eased the pressure. The two Karnataka batters put together a 150-run stand for the second wicket before Rahul had to retire hurt on 77 because of cramps.
Rain breaks, but India keeps moving
Padikkal was fluent against spin and did not allow Sri Lanka to settle into long spells of pressure. A six off left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya gave his innings early momentum. Rahul also used his touch game well, scoring through dabs and glides while Padikkal looked to cut and drive when width was available.
India went to lunch at 101 for one. Soon after, rain forced the players indoors, and play did not resume until 2 p.m. When the afternoon session began, both Padikkal and Rahul reached their half-centuries. Sri Lanka’s spinners had periods where their line and length slipped, and India reached 197 for one by tea.
Rahul’s retirement in the final session broke the flow of the partnership, but India still had wickets in hand. Shubman Gill came in and played some attractive cover drives, but his stay ended when he was dismissed by Jayasuriya while playing against the turn.
Another burst of rain stopped play again, delaying India’s progress. Once the match resumed, Padikkal continued calmly and went on to complete his first hundred in Test cricket. His celebration was brief but clear: a leap, clenched fists, and then the bat raised after removing his helmet.
India finishes day one on top
At stumps, India had lost only two wickets on the scoreboard, though Rahul’s retired hurt status remained a concern from the day’s play. Padikkal’s unbeaten 131 gave the innings its main shape, while Pant’s presence at the crease added an attacking option for the next morning.
For Sri Lanka, Jayasuriya was the only bowler to take a wicket on the day, dismissing Gill. Jaiswal’s wicket came through a run out. The hosts also had to deal with weather interruptions that broke the rhythm of the match.
India will resume from 288 for two on day two, with Padikkal set and Pant alongside him. After choosing to bat first at Galle, the visitors have given themselves a solid platform in the opening Test.
Source: The Hindu Cricket.