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India's vice captain K.L. Rahul, left, celebrates his half century with Devdutt Padikkal on day one of the first test cricket match between India and Sri Lanka, in Galle, Sri Lanka, on August 15, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI
A leap in the air, a clenching of fists, a mild fumble to remove the helmet and then Devdutt Padikkal raised his bat. India’s number three batter, a slot he got after injury benched Sai Sudharsan, had his moment under the sun at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday (August 15, 2026).
Padikkal’s maiden Test century (131 batting) and his earlier unfinished 150-run second-wicket partnership with Karnataka-mate K.L. Rahul, helped India post 288 for two in the first innings against Sri Lanka on the opening day of the first Test. At close, an aggressive Rishabh Pant gave company to Padikkal.
Through a day that wavered between the sun’s oppressive heat and dark clouds bequeathing rains, the one consistent factor was the poise and panache that Padikkal revealed. Walking in after an unfortunate mix-up caused Yashasvi Jaiswal’s run out, Padikkal remained positive and helped Rahul get over his guilt-trip. The two forged an alliance with an ease like two Bengaluru lads tucking into apple-crumble and cream at Corner House, back home.
A six off left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya whetted Padikkal’s appetite, and the shot found an echo from Rahul’s bat too. Padikkal then whipped debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha past the ropes, and India had a lunch score of 101 for one. As if on cue, the skies opened up and the players were forced to stay indoors till 2 p.m.