Padikkal's maiden Test ton powers India to 288/2 on Day 1 in Galle
Synopsis
Playing his first Test since November 2024, Devdutt Padikkal silenced any selection doubts with a masterful 131 not out — becoming the first left-handed Indian number-three centurion since Sourav Ganguly in 2002. With KL Rahul retired hurt and Rishabh Pant firing, India are perfectly placed to post a 500-plus total and put Sri Lanka under immense pressure in their 600th Test.
Key Takeaways
Devdutt Padikkal hit his maiden Test century — 131 not out off 178 balls — on Day 1 of the Galle Test on 15 August 2025 .
India closed on 288/2 in 73 overs after bad light and rain ended play 17 overs early.
KL Rahul retired hurt on 77 due to severe body cramps in the final session.
Padikkal is the first left-handed Indian number-three centurion since Sourav Ganguly in 2002 .
Rishabh Pant is unbeaten on 27 off 36 balls , sharing an unbroken 52-run partnership with Padikkal.
This is India's 600th Test match ; Day 2 play begins 15 minutes early at 9:45 am local time .
Devdutt Padikkal struck a commanding maiden Test century to propel India to a dominant 288/2 in 73 overs at stumps on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on 15 August 2025, with bad light and rain cutting proceedings short by 17 overs. Returning to Test cricket for the first time since November 2024, Padikkal finished unbeaten on a fluent 131 off 178 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six.
Padikkal's Historic Innings
Padikkal, drafted into the XI in place of the injured Sai Sudharsan, made the most of his opportunity with assured strokeplay, particularly off the back foot. He reached his century in 134 balls, driving left-arm pacer Lahiru Kumara for consecutive boundaries before punching Keshara Nuwantha to mid-off in the 57th over to bring up the milestone. His disciplined use of the crease, sharp footwork, and willingness to run hard between the wickets kept the scoreboard moving steadily throughout the day.
The left-hander became the first left-handed batter to score a Test hundred at number three for India since Sourav Ganguly in 2002 — a gap of over two decades. It is also the first century by an Indian number-three batter since Shubman Gill's hundred against Bangladesh in Chennai in September 2024.
The Opening Stand and Rahul's Retirement
India, who won the toss and elected to bat in their 600th Test match, were given a brisk start by openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (32) and vice-captain KL Rahul. Rahul looked in fine touch before being forced to retire hurt on 77 in the final session due to severe body cramps — a significant blow, though India's middle order absorbed the disruption without alarm.
Captain Shubman Gill joined Padikkal after Rahul's retirement and contributed 16 before left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya induced a mistimed loft to mid-off, ending the only wicket Sri Lanka claimed in the final session. Jayasuriya finished with figures of 1 for 77.
Pant's Aggression and the Partnership at the Close
Rishabh Pant arrived at the crease and immediately set about Sri Lanka's spinners with intent. He launched Jayasuriya over wide long-on for six, followed by a slogged four, before pulling and lofting Keshara Nuwantha for two more boundaries. Pant remained unbeaten on 27 off 36 balls, sharing an unbroken 52-run third-wicket partnership with Padikkal that underlines India's depth in this batting line-up.
A brief 20-minute rain interruption halted play, but the batters returned to punish erratic Sri Lankan lines and lengths. Padikkal executed fine sweeps against Nuwantha and pulled Dhananjaya de Silva through mid-wicket before bad light ended the day.
What to Expect on Day 2
India will resume their first innings on Day 2 with play scheduled to begin 15 minutes early at 9:45 am local time, targeting a total well beyond 500. With Padikkal unbeaten on 131 and Pant in aggressive touch, Sri Lanka will need early wickets to stay in the contest. The hosts' inconsistent bowling — none of their seamers or spinners maintained disciplined lines throughout the day — will need a sharp correction if they are to claw back into this Test.
Brief scores: India 288/2 in 73 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 131 not out, KL Rahul 77 retired hurt; Prabath Jayasuriya 1-77) vs Sri Lanka.
Point of View
However, is KL Rahul's fitness: a retirement hurt on 77 due to cramps raises questions about his readiness for a punishing Sri Lankan summer. If Rahul misses time, India's top-order continuity, already reshaped post-Rohit, faces another variable. Sri Lanka's bowling, meanwhile, was toothless and wayward — one wicket for 288 on a Galle pitch that historically rewards spin is a damning return, and the hosts' prospects of a competitive first innings depend entirely on whether Jayasuriya can conjure something with the second new ball.
NationPress
15 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What score did India reach on Day 1 of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka?
India closed Day 1 on 288/2 in 73 overs at the Galle International Stadium on 15 August 2025. Bad light and rain brought an early end to play, with 17 overs still remaining in the day.
How many runs did Devdutt Padikkal score in the Galle Test?
Devdutt Padikkal finished Day 1 unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six. It is his maiden Test century, achieved in his first Test appearance since November 2024.
Why is Padikkal's century historically significant?
Padikkal became the first left-handed Indian batter to score a Test century at number three since Sourav Ganguly in 2002 — a gap of over two decades. It is also the first century by any Indian number-three batter since Shubman Gill's hundred against Bangladesh in Chennai in September 2024.
Why did KL Rahul retire hurt during the Galle Test?
KL Rahul retired hurt on 77 in the final session due to severe body cramps. His status for Day 2 will be monitored by the team management, and his absence from the crease allowed Padikkal and Gill to continue the innings.
What is the significance of this being India's 600th Test match?
The Galle Test is India's 600th Test match — a milestone in the country's cricketing history. India marked the occasion by winning the toss, electing to bat, and posting a dominant first-day total of 288/2.
