Devdutt Padikkal: Maiden Test Century Against Sri Lanka

Devdutt Padikkal announced his return to Test cricket in spectacular fashion, scoring his first Test century against Sri Lanka in the opening Test at Galle on August 15, 2026. Batting at No. 3, Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131 from 178 balls at stumps, helping India reach 288/2 on a rain-interrupted opening day.

The innings was particularly significant because it came in only his third Test match. Padikkal had not played a Test since November 2024, but he immediately made a strong case for a regular place in India’s middle order with a composed and technically assured performance.

Devdutt Padikkal First Test Century: Key Numbers

Devdutt Padikkal’s century was the defining moment of India’s opening day in Galle. He reached three figures from 134 balls and finished the day with 131 not out, including 12 fours and one six.

Batting Detail	Devdutt Padikkal
Match	1st Test, India vs Sri Lanka
Venue	Galle International Stadium
Score	131*
Balls faced	178
Fours	12
Sixes	1
Century	Maiden Test hundred
Batting position	No. 3
India at stumps	288/2

The numbers underline the quality of the innings. Padikkal combined patience with controlled attacking shots, allowing him to survive Sri Lanka’s bowling while continuing to score at a healthy rate. Explore the platform and its available resources on the 9Wickets website.

Devdutt Padikkal vs Sri Lanka: How the Century Happened

India won the toss and chose to bat, giving their top order the opportunity to establish a strong first-innings platform. Yashasvi Jaiswal provided an attacking start before being run out for 32, bringing Padikkal into the contest at No. 3.

Padikkal settled quickly and built a valuable partnership with KL Rahul. The pair helped India move from the early setback to a commanding position, with Rahul eventually retiring hurt on 77.

Once Padikkal crossed 50, his confidence was obvious. He continued to find boundaries without taking unnecessary risks and eventually reached his maiden Test century, becoming the standout performer on India’s side of the scorecard. Need agent-related information? Browse the 9wickets Master Agent List for relevant resources.

Devdutt Padikkal First Test Century: A Major Career Milestone

The century represents a major breakthrough for Padikkal at Test level. Before this match, his Test career had produced only a half-century, making the unbeaten 131 a dramatic improvement in his short international red-ball career.

The timing is also important. Padikkal earned his opportunity after Sai Sudharsan was unavailable for the Sri Lanka series, and he had already scored a century in India’s warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. That preparation helped strengthen his case for selection.

His performances across the warm-up and first Test now give India another potential option at the crucial No. 3 position. Looking for general betting tips and risk-awareness information? Read the 9Wickets Safe Betting Tips guide.

Devdutt Padikkal: Why No. 3 Matters for India

India have been searching for consistency in the No. 3 position, particularly as their Test batting order continues to evolve. Padikkal’s left-handed style provides variety alongside India’s predominantly right-handed batting options.

His century also carries historical significance. Padikkal became only the second Indian left-hander in the 21st century to score a Test century at No. 3, after Sourav Ganguly’s 2002 hundred at that position.

That achievement makes the Galle innings more than just a personal milestone. It could become an important moment in India’s search for a dependable long-term No. 3.

Devdutt Padikkal vs Sri Lanka: Batting Technique

Galle traditionally presents challenges for visiting batters, particularly as the surface begins to assist spin. Padikkal’s ability to play patiently while still rotating the strike was therefore particularly valuable.

Rather than attempting to dominate every delivery, he appeared comfortable waiting for scoring opportunities. His shot selection allowed him to maintain control and gradually put Sri Lanka’s bowlers under pressure.

The innings also demonstrated his adaptability. After making a century in the warm-up game, Padikkal carried that momentum into the Test and produced an even more significant performance against Sri Lanka’s international attack. Want an overview of the platform and its features? Explore the Complete 9Wickets Guide for more information.

Devdutt Padikkal First Test Century: Impact on India

India finished the rain-affected opening day at 288/2 after 73 overs, putting the visitors in an excellent position. Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 27 alongside Padikkal when bad light and rain ended play early.

With Padikkal already past 130, India have an opportunity to build a very large first-innings total. A substantial score would allow the visitors to put Sri Lanka under pressure and potentially control the Test from the second day onward.

For Sri Lanka, removing Padikkal quickly on Day 2 will be one of the most important tasks. Allowing him to convert his unbeaten 131 into a much larger score could make India’s position even stronger.

Devdutt Padikkal: What Comes Next?

The biggest question is whether Padikkal can turn this breakthrough into sustained Test success. One century does not guarantee a permanent place, but his current form gives India’s selectors a compelling reason to consider him seriously.

His warm-up century followed by a maiden Test hundred suggests that Padikkal has adapted well to the conditions in Sri Lanka. More importantly, he has shown the temperament required to bat long in Test cricket.

India’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka is also part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, increasing the importance of every run and partnership. The ICC’s coverage confirms that India returned to WTC action with this two-Test assignment. Want more sports content, guides and updates? Explore the 9Wickets24 Blog for the latest articles.

FAQ: Devdutt Padikkal First Test Century

How many runs did Devdutt Padikkal score against Sri Lanka?

Padikkal was unbeaten on 131 at the end of Day 1 of the first Test in Galle. He faced 178 balls and hit 12 fours and one six.

Was this Devdutt Padikkal’s first Test century?

Yes. The 131 not out against Sri Lanka was Padikkal’s maiden Test century, achieved in only his third Test match.

At what position did Padikkal score his century?

Padikkal batted at No. 3 for India. His performance strengthened his case for the position in India’s Test batting order.

How many balls did Padikkal take to reach his century?

Padikkal reached his century from 134 balls, before finishing the day unbeaten on 131 from 178 deliveries.

What was India’s score at the end of Day 1?

India finished Day 1 on 288/2 after 73 overs. Padikkal was unbeaten on 131, while Rishabh Pant was not out on 27.

Conclusion

Devdutt Padikkal’s first Test century against Sri Lanka is a landmark moment in his international career. His unbeaten 131 in Galle combined excellent shot selection, patience and attacking intent while giving India a commanding position after the opening day.

The century also strengthens Padikkal’s case for the No. 3 role. After an impressive warm-up performance and now a maiden Test hundred, the left-hander has given India plenty of reasons to view him as a serious long-term option.

For the latest official tournament information, follow the ICC World Test Championship coverage and ESPNcricinfo’s India tour of Sri Lanka 2026 match coverage.