KL Rahul scored 77 before retiring hurt after tea as the visitors reach 288-2 at stumps
Devdutt Padikkal got to his maiden Test century in 134 balls. Photo: AFP
GALLE:
India’s Devdutt Padikkal struck his maiden test hundred to underline his credentials for the number three slot and propelled the tourists to a commanding 288-2 in the first test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Saturday.
India had been fretting over the one-down position after Sai Sudharsan, one of the seven batters tried in that position in the last two years, was ruled out with a toe injury
It opened the door for Padikkal, and the left-hander responded with a free-scoring 131 not out, putting India on course for a formidable first-innings total on the opening day of the test at the Galle International Stadium.
Opener KL Rahul made a composed 77 before retiring hurt.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rahul added 47 for the opening wicket before an almighty mix-up left both batters stranded at the non-striker’s end.
Jaiswal (32) was run out, but Rahul joined forces with Padikkal in a 150-run stand that kept Sri Lanka wicketless through the rain-delayed second session.
Padikkal nearly offered a return catch to Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva early in his innings but was otherwise the epitome of elegance.
At tea, Padikkal was batting on 84 and Rahul on 77.
Padikkal, playing his third Test after being called in to replace the injured Sai Sudharsan, was the first to reach his half-century off 81 deliveries, surpassing his career-best score of 65.
Having opened his account with a boundary, the southpaw stepped out against Prabath Jayasuriya and lofted the left-arm spinner over his head for six.
Padikkal’s aggression appeared to rub off on Rahul, who gave Jayasuriya similar treatment in the spinner’s next over.
Padikkal brought up his half-century with a single off Lahiru Kumara, while Rahul soon reached his own fifty as the pair milked the Sri Lanka attack with consummate ease.
He last played a Test in November 2024 but looked solid, putting loose balls away to frustrate Sri Lanka’s bowlers.
Rahul reached his half-century off 127 deliveries, his 21st in Test cricket.
As the runs continued to flow, Rahul developed cramps and retired hurt after an assured knock featuring nine fours and a six.
Gill, who made 16, struck two sweetly timed boundaries before throwing away his wicket. The right-hander charged at Jayasuriya, only to sky a catch to mid-off.
Rishabh Pant made a breezy unbeaten 27 and will look to continue his fine start when play resumes in India’s 600th test, and also the 50th test at Galle.
Play was held up for 80 minutes after lunch due to rain and the second session was extended to make up for lost time.
This is India’s 600th Test match and the 50th to be played in Galle, the only venue to achieve the milestone in Asia.
Sri Lanka gave off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha his Test debut and recalled wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella after three years.
India have not lost a Test against Sri Lanka since 2015.
