19 August,2026 05:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Devdutt Padikkal (Pic: PTI)
Following his match-winning maiden Test century against Sri Lanka at Galle, Indian top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal reflected on the surface conditions, saying that the pitch was 'slowish' and allowed left-handed batters to tackle left-arm spin more effectively.
Capitalising on an opportunity due to Sai Sudharsan's injury, Padikkal made a strong case for the permanent number three spot, scoring 167 in the first innings and 44 in the second.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Padikkal reflected on the various venues he has played at early in his career and how it helped him build his innings against Sri Lanka.
"Yeah, it has been one of those things in my career. I started in Dharamshala (Test debut), then a Test in Perth, and now Galle. But I could not have asked for anything better. The game was amazing. I think we played some really good cricket and really happy with the win."
"Definitely, I think the wicket had its natural wear and tear. But I think it was a great Test match wicket. I think all five days it played pretty well. Definitely, it started to turn a lot more from the third day onwards. Obviously, it was a bit of a slowish wicket. It wasn't providing that much bite off the wicket, so the left-handers were able to negotiate the left-arm spinners much better. I think that was the key," he added.
India opted to bat first after winning the toss, scoring 462 runs largely thanks to Padikkal's 167 (230 balls), KL Rahul's 82, and Dhruv Jurel's 51. For Sri Lanka, Prabath Jayasuriya claimed 4/109.
In response, Sri Lanka recovered from 90/5 thanks to a 146-run stand between Sonal Dinusha (100) and Niroshan Dickwella (80), but Manav Suthar's four-wicket effort restricted them to 284, giving India a 178-run lead.
Despite an improved Sri Lankan bowling effort in the second innings that restricted India to 193, with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with 66, India set a target of 372. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 206 as Manav Suthar triggered a lower-order collapse, sealing a 165-run win and a 1-0 series advantage.
(With inputs from ANI)
