Padikkal’s Maiden Century and Independence Day Record
Devdutt Padikkal made a significant impact on the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series against Sri Lanka in Galle, remaining unbeaten on 131. His performance helped India establish a strong position, closing the day at 288/2 after 73 overs. Padikkal’s century marked his maiden Test hundred, achieved from the No. 3 position.
This achievement also placed Padikkal in an exclusive group, as he became only the second Indian cricketer to score an international century on Independence Day, August 15. Prior to Padikkal, Virat Kohli was the sole Indian batter to accomplish this feat, which he did in 2019 during an ODI against the West Indies. Padikkal’s century carries the additional distinction of being the first Test century by an Indian on Independence Day.
Padikkal stepped into the No. 3 role after Sai Sudharsan was sidelined due to injury. He capitalized on this opportunity, delivering a fluent innings against Sri Lanka’s spin attack. His century also ended a period without a Test hundred from the No. 3 position for India, a feat last achieved by Shubman Gill in September 2024 against Bangladesh in Chennai.
Furthermore, Padikkal is only the second Indian left-handed batter in the 21st century to score a Test century from the No. 3 spot. The first was former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who scored 136 against Zimbabwe in Delhi in 2002. Overall, Padikkal is the sixth Indian left-hander to achieve a Test hundred from this position, joining a list that includes Vinod Kambli, Ganguly, Salim Durani, Bapu Nadkarni, Ajit Wadekar, and Eknath Solkar.
Rahul’s Contribution and Early Play
KL Rahul also played a crucial role in India’s confident start. After Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first, India’s openers began briskly. Yashasvi Jaiswal initiated the attacking strokeplay while Rahul settled in. Jaiswal’s innings of 32 concluded due to a run-out following a miscommunication between the batters.
Padikkal, who had recently scored a hundred in a tour game, continued his strong form in Galle. Both Padikkal and Rahul reached their half-centuries in the second session, building a partnership that crossed 100 runs in the 42nd over. The scoring rate increased towards the end of the session, contributing to India’s strong total.
Rahul, who scored 77, experienced discomfort in his bottom hand and was forced to retire hurt at the beginning of the third session. Skipper Gill then joined Padikkal. Prabath Jayasuriya broke his wicket drought, which had spanned almost 97 overs, by dismissing Gill, who was caught at mid-off by Lahiru Igalagamage. Rishabh Pant then joined Padikkal and contributed 27 runs, hitting three fours and a six towards the close of play.
Coach’s Praise and Pitch Assessment
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded Padikkal’s seamless transition into the No. 3 role and his maiden Test hundred. Kotak noted that Padikkal had been working on his initial movement and back-foot game, particularly in anticipation of turning wickets. He emphasized the credit due to Padikkal for his efforts.
Kotak also commended Rahul for his adaptability to various conditions and positions, highlighting his role in setting a strong foundation for India. He mentioned Rahul’s flexibility, playing as an opener in Tests and at five or six in limited-overs cricket, and stressed the importance of a senior player like him performing well in a young team. Rahul’s ability to take responsibility, build partnerships, and maintain consistency was also praised.
Regarding the pitch, Kotak observed that it appeared to be on the drier side. He indicated that while 288/2 was a positive start for India, the game was still in its early stages. Kotak predicted that the pitch would favour spinners more as the match progresses, citing the historical trend at Galle where batters’ average returns noticeably decrease as the game advances. India is set to resume their innings from 288/2 on day 2.
Source: icc-cricket.com
