Devdutt Padikkal responds to no.3 debate with maiden century in Galle
Devdutt Padikkal celebrated Independence Day with flair, recording his inaugural Test century following an extensive period off the field due to injury. His remarkable unbeaten score of 131 propelled India to a promising 288-2 on the opening day. The standout moment was the 150-run collaboration with KL Rahul for the second wicket, leaving Rishabh Pant not out on 27 as the day concluded.
After reaching a single off off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, Devdutt Padikkal celebrated his maiden Test century in the third Test of India's landmark 600th at Galle. Accompanied by a warm embrace from India's captain Shubman Gill and applause from chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir, Padikkal completed a stellar 134-ball innings.
The fluent 134-ball hundred marked a strong comeback for the 26-year-old, who returned to the Test side after a 22-month absence due to an injury to Sai Sudharsan. Padikkal's unbeaten 131 (178 balls, 12 fours, and 1 six) helped India post a commanding 288-2 on a rain-hit opening day. In doing so, he became the first Indian batter to score a Test century on Independence Day and broke a 19-Test, 35-innings wait for a century from the No. 3 position.
The left-hander displayed his prowess against spin, using his feet, rocking back quickly in the crease, and effectively using his wrists to counter Sri Lanka's spinners. Padikkal's form was evident in his unbeaten 142 off 164 balls in India's solitary warm-up game in Colombo. Despite the loss of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Gill to poor shots, Padikkal and KL Rahul, who added 150 runs for the second wicket, provided a solid foundation.
Rahul's departure due to cramps was replaced by Gill, who scored a couple of elegant cover drives before being dismissed, with Rishabh Pant keeping the momentum going with an unbeaten 27. Together, Pant and Padikkal added 52 runs for the third wicket in 67 balls, showcasing their compatibility.
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