# Padikkal hits maiden Test ton as India dominate Galle

2026-08-15T16:37:53+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets (5 source reports)

Devdutt Padikkal hit an unbeaten 131 on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, his maiden international century, to steer India to 288 for two at stumps. The left-hander shared a 150-run stand with KL Rahul, who made 77 before retiring hurt with cramps. India captain Shubman Gill fell for 16 after attempting a lofted shot off left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak credited Padikkal's prepared back-foot game and sweeps for his success. Rahul is expected to bat on day two.

## Coverage

- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/god-sent-for-india-vs-spinners-sanjay-manjrekar-in-all-awe-of-centurion-devdutt-padikkal-article-155685312>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka/the-way-he-has-prepared-himself-india-coach-explains-key-to-devdutt-padikkals-maiden-test-century/articleshow/133264699.cms>
- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/devdutt-padikkals-maiden-test-hundred-batting-coach-sitanshu-kotak-on-preparation-and-kl-rahul-update/20260815.htm>
- rediff.com (2) <https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/what-is-wrong-with-gill-fans-slam-india-captain/20260815.htm>
- rediff.com (3) <https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/devdutt-padikkal-strengthens-his-claim-for-no-3-spot-with-maiden-test-ton/20260815.htm>

This story was synthesised by AI from the 5 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 5 sources. Last updated 2026-09-27T06:16:40+00:00.

Tags: Devdutt Padikkal, Galle Test, India cricket team, Sanjay Manjrekar, Sitanshu Kotak, Sri Lanka cricket
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