{
  "id": 1093970,
  "title": "A ton of class! Devdutt Padikkal makes the long wait count",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/a-ton-of-class-devdutt-padikkal-makes-the-long-wait-count-1093970",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-15T18:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ton-class-devdutt-padikkal-makes-182000866.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At the Galle cricket ground, Devdutt Padikkal made cricketing history by scoring his first Test hundred, a feat that couldn't have come at a more opportune time. Playing after a 632-day hiatus, he stepped up to the crease after a chaotic mix-up between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. Padikkal's innings began with a boundary, then he danced down the pitch to dismiss Prabath Jayasuriya early on, displaying exceptional footwork against both pace and spin. The pitch, offering just occasional drift, saw little turn from off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha and pacers Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando. Despite this, Padikkal remained focused, outscoring his senior partner Rahul. The duo's 150-run partnership set up a dominant India on the opening day. Padikkal, who was previously sidelined, had been ready to step in after Sai Sudharsan's injury. His performance has impressed chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who had watched him during a Ranji Trophy game. With the pitch expected to deteriorate, India's best chance of winning is to bat aggressively, and Padikkal and Rahul have laid a strong foundation for that.",
  "summary": "Devdutt Padikkal last played a Test for India during the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. After waiting 632 days, the left-hander seized his opportunity. Karnataka captaincy, role clarity and work on his game against spin reaped rewards as he put India in a dominant position with his maiden ton and a 150-run stand with his statemate and coffee partner KL Rahul on the opening day of the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Devdutt Padikkal scores first Test hundred in 632 days",
    "150-run partnership with Rahul sets up India's dominant start",
    "Chief selector impressed by Padikkal's performance"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}