Padikkal’s Historic Century
Padikkal’s Historic Century
Devdutt Padikkal recorded his maiden Test century on Independence Day against Sri Lanka in Galle. He joins Virat Kohli, who previously scored an ODI century on the same day, in achieving an international ton on Independence Day.
Padikkal’s century, an unbeaten 107 runs off 147 balls, came in only his third Test match. His innings included nine fours and a six, with a strike rate exceeding 72. This performance helped India build a strong position after electing to bat first.
The century also marks India’s first at the number three batting position since Shubman Gill’s ton in September 2024. This addresses a previous batting challenge for India in that slot, as the team had tried several batters at number three in the matches following Gill’s century.
India’s Opening Day Performance
On the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series against Sri Lanka in Galle, India got off to a confident start. After Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bat, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul began briskly. Jaiswal’s attacking play contributed to the early momentum.
However, Jaiswal’s innings ended at 32 runs due to a run-out. Devdutt Padikkal then joined KL Rahul. Padikkal, who had shown strong form in a tour game with a hundred, continued his performance in Galle. Rain briefly interrupted play after the first session, but India maintained its strong start.
Both Padikkal and Rahul reached their half-centuries in the second session, with their partnership surpassing 100 runs in the 42nd over. Towards the end of the session, scoring accelerated from both ends. India concluded the session at 197/1, with both batters approaching their centuries.
At the start of the third session, Rahul, who had scored 77 runs, retired hurt due to discomfort in his bottom hand. Skipper Gill then joined Padikkal, who soon secured his maiden Test century. Prabath Jayasuriya broke his wicket drought in Galle by dismissing Gill, who was caught at mid-off by Lahiru Igalagamage.
Rishabh Pant then partnered with Padikkal. Pant played aggressively towards the close of play, hitting three fours and a six. The umpires called for stumps with Padikkal unbeaten on 131 runs and Pant on 27 runs. India will resume batting on day two at a score of 288/2.
Padikkal’s Recent Form
Devdutt Padikkal’s recent first-class performances have been notable. He has accumulated 702 runs in 10 innings, maintaining an average of 87.75. This includes three centuries and two fifties.
In an unofficial practice match against SLCXI at Colombo NCCC, he scored 142* off 164 balls. His consistent form has been a factor in his selection and performance at the international level.
The opportunity for Padikkal came in a crucial match, with Sai Sudharsan, the regular number three batter, ruled out due to injury. Padikkal’s century has established his credentials for the number three slot. Virat Kohli’s other international ton on a significant date was 116 runs against Australia in 2012, which was his first ever Test century.
Source: icc-cricket.com
