Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials,
\n Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription<\/p>\n
The View From India
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLooking at World Affairs from the Indian perspective.<\/p>\n
First Day First Show
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews and reviews from the world of cinema and streaming.<\/p>\n
Today's Cache
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYour download of the top 5 technology stories of the day.<\/p>\n
Science For All
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe weekly newsletter from science writers takes the jargon out of science and puts the fun in!<\/p>\n
Data Point
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDecoding the headlines with facts, figures, and numbers<\/p>\n
THEdge
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt the cutting edge of education and careers<\/p>\n
Health Matters
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRamya Kannan writes to you on getting to good health, and staying there<\/p>\n
Gender Agenda
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStories from beyond the binary.<\/p>\n
The Hindu On Books
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBooks of the week, reviews, excerpts, new titles and features.<\/p>\n
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.
\n | Photo Credit: PTI<\/p>\n
A leap in the air, a clenching of fists, a mild fumble to remove the helmet and then Devdutt Padikkal raised his bat. India\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n
Padikkal\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Through a day that wavered between the sun\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
A six off left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya whetted Padikkal\u2019s appetite, and the shot found an echo from Rahul\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n