Devdutt Padikkal hits maiden Test century of 131 on Independence Day

Devdutt Padikkal scored 131 not out off 178 balls against Sri Lanka in Galle on Saturday, his maiden Test century. The knock came on Independence Day, making him the first Indian batter to achieve a Test hundred on that date. The 26-year-old had waited 632 days for his next India appearance after playing a Test in Perth in November 2024.

Padikkal's career has been marked by comebacks. After a lean Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored heavily in the Vijay Hazare and Ranji Trophies, and as Karnataka captain this season he made 543 runs at 60.33. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Padikkal had worked extensively at the BCCI Centre of Excellence on his back-foot game and sweeps. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar called him a "godsend for India" against spin and argued he should remain at number three even when Sai Sudharsan returns from injury.