Devdutt Padikkal achieved his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka in Galle, marking a significant milestone on Independence Day. He became the first Indian Test centurion on this date, joining Virat Kohli, who previously scored an ODI century on the same day. Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131 when stumps were called, with Rishabh Pant on 27.
The match, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series, saw India elect to bat first after Shubman Gill won the toss. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul started briskly. Jaiswal, who scored 32, was run out after a miscommunication between the batters. Padikkal, who had recently scored a hundred in a tour game, continued his strong form.
India’s Strong Start and Partnership Building
After a brief rain delay following the first session, India built on their initial momentum. Both Padikkal and Rahul reached their half-centuries during the second session, with their partnership surpassing 100 runs in the 42nd over. The scoring rate increased towards the end of the session, and India concluded the day at 197/1, with both batters approaching their centuries.
Early in the third session, Rahul, who had scored 77, retired hurt due to discomfort in his bottom hand. Skipper Gill then joined Padikkal at the crease. Soon after, Padikkal secured his maiden Test century. His knock included 107 not out off 147 balls, featuring nine fours and a six, before rain interrupted play.
Prabath Jayasuriya ended a wicket drought in Galle by dismissing Gill, who was caught at mid-off by Lahiru Igalagamage. Rishabh Pant then partnered with Padikkal, hitting three fours and a six towards the close of play. India is set to resume batting on Day 2 at 288/2.
Padikkal’s Career Milestone and Recent Form
This century marks Padikkal’s first in his third Test match, and it addresses a previous batting challenge for India at the number three position. It is India’s first century at number three since Shubman Gill’s ton in September 2024. In the 19 Tests since that match, India had tried seven different batters at number three, who collectively averaged 27.28 with five fifty-plus scores in 35 innings.
Padikkal’s recent first-class form has been notable, with 702 runs in 10 innings at an average of 87.75, including three centuries and two fifties. His scores include 9 and 120 not out against Punjab in Mohali, 17 and 39 against Mumbai in BKC Mumbai during a Ranji quarterfinal, and 232 and absent hurt against Uttarakhand in Lucknow during a Ranji semifinal.
Further demonstrating his form, Padikkal scored 11 against J&K in Hubli during the Ranji Trophy final, 12 and 67 against SL-A in Galle, and 94 and did not bat against SL-A, also in Galle. He also recorded 142 not out off 164 balls in a practice game against SLCXI in Colombo NCCC. His maiden Test century on Independence Day places him in an exclusive group of Indian cricketers.
Virat Kohli’s earlier Independence Day century was an ODI score of 114 not out off 99 balls against the West Indies, a match that extended into August 15 due to rain. Kohli is the only Indian cricketer to have international centuries on both Independence Day and Republic Day, with his Republic Day century being 116 against Australia in 2012, which was his first-ever Test century.
Padikkal’s performance comes at a crucial time, with Sai Sudharsan, the regular number three batter, ruled out due to injury. His century in Galle is a significant step towards establishing himself in the number three slot for India.
Source: icc-cricket.com
