The Indian cricket team established a commanding grip on the opening Test match of the two-game series against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium. Electing to bat first after winning the coin toss, Team India capitalized on favorable batting conditions despite intermittent rain interruptions that restricted the opening day's play to just 73 overs. By the time stumps were drawn on Day 1, India had mounted a formidable total of 288 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. The headline star of the day was Devdutt Padikkal, who seized his opportunity at the vital No. 3 batting position with authority, scoring his maiden Test century. Drafted into the top order after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the entire series due to unfitness, Padikkal displayed exceptional composure and technique to remain unbeaten on 131 at the end of the day's play.
Equalling Sourav Ganguly 24-Year-Old Historic Landmark
Prior to the Galle Test, Devdutt Padikkal had represented India in only 2 Test matches, recording a single half-century to his name. Promoted to the critical No. 3 slot in Sri Lanka, the left-handed batter transformed his career trajectory with a sensational maiden hundred. In doing so, Padikkal wrote his name into the record books by matching a historic feat previously held exclusively by legendary former captain Sourav Ganguly. Padikkal is now only the second Indian left-handed batsman in the 21st century to register a Test century while batting at the No. 3 position. Ganguly achieved this benchmark back in the year 2002, when he batted at No. 3 to score 136 runs against Zimbabwe in Delhi. Additionally, Padikkal ended a 19-Test drought for Indian batters at the No. 3 position scoring a hundred. The last Indian cricketer to score a Test century at No. 3 was Shubman Gill, who hit a ton against Bangladesh during the Chennai Test in September 2024.
Dominant 150-Run Stand with KL Rahul and Stumps Summary
India suffered an early setback on Day 1 when opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32 runs with the total score at 47. Walking in at the fall of the first wicket, Padikkal took an aggressive stance right from the start to prevent Sri Lankan spinners from dictating terms. He joined forces with experienced opener KL Rahul to stabilize the innings, constructing a fluent 150-run partnership for the second wicket. Rahul batted assuredly to reach 77 runs before he was forced to retire hurt following the conclusion of the second session. After Rahul's departure, explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant joined Padikkal at the crease. By the time play was officially called off due to bad light and rain on Day 1, Padikkal was anchored safely on 131 unbeaten runs, while Pant provided strong support at the other end on 27 not out.
