# Padikkal first Indian to score Test ton on Independence Day

2026-08-15T18:08:42+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Devdutt Padikkal made history on Saturday by becoming the first Indian to score a Test century on Independence Day, smashing an unbeaten 131 off 178 balls against Sri Lanka in Galle. Batting at number three after replacing the injured Sai Sudharsan, Padikkal's knock featured 12 fours and a six, helping India finish the rain-curtailed opening day on 288 for 2. He shared a 150-run stand with KL Rahul, who retired hurt due to cramps. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar praised Padikkal's technique against spin, calling him 'god sent' for India on turning pitches and suggesting he should retain the number three spot even after Sudharsan returns. Padikkal's innings is his first international century and came in his second Test.

## Coverage

- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/devdutt-padikkal-creates-history-becomes-first-indian-to-achieve-special-independence-day-milestone-article-155679859>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/godsent-for-india-sanjay-manjrekar-makes-no-3-call-tips-devdutt-padikkal-ahead-of-sai-sudharsan/articleshow/133265985.cms>

This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources. Last updated 2026-08-15T19:17:20+00:00.

Tags: Devdutt Padikkal, Galle Test, Independence Day, India cricket team, Sri Lanka cricket team
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