Devdutt Padikkal Slams Maiden International Hundred For India, Achieves Feat During IND vs SL 1st Test 2026
Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden international Test century, hitting 100 off 134 balls for India against Sri Lanka on Day 1 of the 1st Test at Galle International Stadium on August 15, 2026. This landmark innings, featuring 9 fours and 1 six, helped India reach 219/1 and dominate the early proceedings of the series opener.
Galle, Sri Lanka: Devdutt Padikkal, the promising Indian left-hander, has announced his arrival on the international Test stage with a brilliant maiden century against Sri Lanka. Playing in the first Test of India's tour of Sri Lanka 2026, Padikkal reached the coveted three-figure mark, delighting fans and the dressing room alike on Day 1 at the Galle International Stadium. IND vs SL, 1st Test 2026 Toss Report and Playing XIs Live Update: Shubman Gill Elects To Bat, Keshara Nuwantha Debuts For Sri Lanka.
Padikkal brought up his hundred off 134 deliveries, an innings embellished with 9 fours and 1 six. His composed yet aggressive approach saw him navigate the Sri Lankan bowling attack with remarkable maturity, culminating in a well-deserved milestone that puts India in a commanding position.
A Landmark Innings
The moment arrived during the 57th over of India's innings when Padikkal deftly drove a delivery from Keshara Nuwantha to mid-off, scampering for a single to complete his century. The celebration was understated but heartfelt, as he removed his helmet, raised his bat to the applause of the crowd, and received congratulations from his captain and batting partner, Shubman Gill. The milestone is particularly significant given his relatively new foray into Test cricket for the national side.
India's Strong Start
India, having won the toss and elected to bat, reached a formidable 219 for the loss of just one wicket in 57 overs at the time of Padikkal's century. The team's strong start was initially built on an opening stand that saw Yashasvi Jaiswal depart after contributing 32 runs off 37 balls, run out by Prabath Jayasuriya and Niroshan Dickwella. Following Jaiswal's dismissal, Padikkal forged a crucial 150-run partnership with KL Rahul, steadying the innings before accelerating towards his hundred. At the time of his century, he was joined by Shubman Gill, who was batting steadily on 6 runs off 12 deliveries, with their partnership standing at 22 runs from 24 balls.
Context and Significance
This century holds added weight as it comes from the crucial number three position, a spot that has seen considerable churn for India in recent times. The last Indian batter to score a Test hundred from No.3 was Shubman Gill against Bangladesh in Chennai in September 2024. In the 19 Tests played between that match and the current one, India utilized seven different batters at one-down, with them collectively averaging 27.28 and registering five 50-plus scores in 35 innings. Padikkal's dominant performance at this vital position provides much-needed stability and a significant boost to India's batting lineup. Independence Day 2026: Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill and Team India Members Hoist Tricolour in Galle Ahead of IND vs SL 1st Test.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Sri Lanka vs India, 1st Test |
| Series | India tour of Sri Lanka 2026 |
| Venue | Galle International Stadium, Galle |
| Date & Time | August 15, 2026, 10:00 AM LOCAL |
| Toss | India, elected to bat |
Padikkal's maiden Test hundred is a testament to his talent and resilience, setting a strong precedent for India in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. His performance on Day 1 has firmly placed India in control, promising an exciting contest ahead.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2026 04:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
