IND vs SL 1st Test: Devdutt Padikkal's classy century ends India’s barren run

Updated On: 16 August, 2026 08:54 AM IST | Galle | R Kaushik

Devdutt makes memorable comeback to international cricket after 21 months with maiden Test century (131 not out) — India’s first No. 3 Test centurion since September 2024. Hosts reach 288-2 vs Sri Lanka at stumps on Day One of their 600th Test

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An ecstatic Devdutt Padikkal celebrates after scoring his hundred against SL in Galle on Saturday. Pic/BCCI

150

No. of runs put on by KL Rahul and Padikkal for the second wicket on Day One

Two

Devdutt Padikkal becomes only the second Indian left-handed batter in the 21st century to score a Test century at No. 3, after Sourav Ganguly

Since Cheteshwar Pujara became superfluous to the Test scheme of things, India have embarked on a furious and frustrating search for a reliable, long-term No. 3. Shubman Gill seemed to be settling into that role after asking for, and getting, that position on the tour of the West Indies in June 2023. But once he was elevated as Test captain last June and moved down to No. 4, India’s hunt has been futile.

Among others, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, and Washington Sundar occupied that slot, with no more than modest success. On Saturday here, a tall left-hander playing his first Test in 21 months finally answered the call with a maiden century that thrust India into the ascendancy.