Now Reading: Padikkal hits maiden Test ton as India dominate Galle
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Padikkal hits maiden Test ton as India dominate Galle
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 Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
Social media is already anointing Devdutt Padikkal as the answer to India's No. 3 puzzle and writing off Shubman Gill after one loose shot. The truth is vaguer: India have tried seven batters at one-down in two years, and one composed hundred on a batting-friendly Galle deck does not settle a selection debate that has outlasted several incumbents. The real test will come when the pitch starts turning square, or when Sai Sudharsan returns from injury and forces the team management to choose. Who gets the nod for the second Test if both are fit?
Sources (5): timesnownews.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, rediff.com, rediff.com (2), rediff.com (3)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 5 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 5 sources.
