Galle: Devdutt Padikkal’s glorious maiden Test century led India’s batting charge as India finished the opening day on a commanding 288/2 in 73 overs against Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, August 15.
India played their landmark 600th Test match on the memorable occasion of the 80th Independence Day. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, India finished the day at 288/2 in 73 overs. Devdutt Padikkal produced a magnificent batting masterclass, remaining unbeaten on 131, while Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 27 at stumps. KL Rahul made a crucial contribution with 77 before being forced to retire hurt, while Yashasvi Jaiswal’s quick-fire 32 and Shubman Gill’s 16 also played a valuable role in India’s strong and commanding total. While Sri Lanka’s bowling unit looked unsettled and struggled to make an impact at crucial moments, despite the pitch offering some assistance to spin.
The match began with India winning the toss and electing to bat first. India got an aggressive start from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was playing the 30th Test of his career. The milestone came with a remarkable record — Jaiswal has played each of his first 30 Tests at a different venue. His journey began in Roseau in July 2023 and, after stops across the Caribbean, South Africa, India, England and Australia, he reached his 30th Test in Galle on Saturday. Jaiswal’s unique record also puts him in the company of two former India batters. Sanjay Manjrekar played his first 33 Tests at 33 different venues, while Sachin Tendulkar appeared at 32 different venues in his first 32 Tests. Jaiswal scored a quick-fire 32 off 37 balls and looked set to continue his impressive start, but his innings was cut short by an unfortunate mix-up with KL Rahul. Both batters were stranded at the same end, resulting in a disappointing run-out as India lost their first wicket for 47. Devdutt Padikkal came in at No. 3, and after the early wicket, the pair composedly steadied the innings, taking India to 101/1 before rain interrupted play and forced an early lunch break. After the break, Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul took control of the innings. The pair batted beautifully, showcasing their class and confidence while handling the spin attack with authority. They maintained a steady scoring rate, rotated the strike intelligently and capitalised on every scoring opportunity, finding boundaries whenever the chance presented itself. Both batters reached their respective half-centuries, and the duo stitched together an impactful 150-run partnership for the second wicket. By the tea interval, India had reached 197/1. However, KL Rahul’s excellent innings came to an unfortunate end when he was forced to retire hurt on 77 off 162 balls, having struck nine fours and one six, after suffering from severe cramps and discomfort in his right hand. Indian Test captain Shubman Gill then joined Padikkal at the crease. Padikkal continued his innings with pure class, remarkable composure and immaculate technique. His elegant shot selection and excellent footwork against both spin and pace stood out as he steadily moved towards a memorable century. Devdutt Padikkal brilliantly brought up his maiden Test century off 134 balls. His century became even more significant as he became the first Indian batter to score a Test hundred on Independence Day. Padikkal also etched his name in the record books by becoming only the second Indian cricketer to score an international century on Independence Day. Before Padikkal, Virat Kohli was the only Indian batter to score an international century on August 15. Kohli achieved the feat in 2019, scoring an unbeaten 114 off 99 balls against the West Indies in an ODI. Padikkal also became only the second Indian left-handed batter in the 21st century to score a Test century from No. 3. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly was the first, scoring 136 against Zimbabwe in Delhi in 2002. Overall, Padikkal is the sixth Indian left-hander to score a Test hundred from the No. 3 position. The list is led by Vinod Kambli with four centuries, followed by Ganguly with three, while Salim Durani, Bapu Nadkarni, Ajit Wadekar, Eknath Solkar, Surinder Amarnath and now Padikkal have one each. Gill played a brief innings before being dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya for 16, making him the only Sri Lankan bowler to claim a wicket. After Gill’s dismissal, Rishabh Pant joined Padikkal at the crease, and the pair added an unbeaten 52-run partnership, further strengthening India’s commanding position. Pant produced an impactful innings, finishing unbeaten on 27 off 36 balls, including three fours and a six. Devdutt Padikkal remained unbeaten in impressive fashion on 131 off 178 balls, including 12 fours and a six, as India reached a commanding 288/2 in 73 overs at stumps. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack looked unsettled throughout the day, struggling to make an impact at crucial moments. The hosts managed just one wicket with the ball, along with one run-out.
Now, on Day 2, as Sri Lanka begin their innings, India will look to strike early with the ball and put pressure on the hosts. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will need a solid and confident start to fight their way back into the contest.
