Devdutt Padikkal hits maiden Test century on India’s Independence Day

Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden Test century, an unbeaten 131 off 178 balls, on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Saturday. The 26-year-old, playing his first Test since November 2024, became the first Indian batter to hit a Test hundred on Independence Day. His knock ended a 19-Test, 35-innings wait for a century by an Indian No. 3.

The Times of India reports Padikkal’s innings marked another comeback chapter in a career defined by resilience, noting his recovery from a lean Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to prolific runs in the Vijay Hazare and Ranji Trophy. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak told Sportstar that Padikkal had worked at the National Cricket Academy on back-foot play, stepping out, and sweeps. “He was waiting for this opportunity,” Kotak said. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar called him a “godsend” against spin, recommending he retain No. 3 even when Sai Sudharsan returns from injury.

Kotak described the Galle pitch as dry, expecting more spin as the game progresses. India closed the day at 288 for two. Kotak also said K.L. Rahul, who scored a half-century before cramping, should be fit to continue. The Test resumes on Sunday.