Devdutt Padikkal produced a memorable moment on India’s Independence Day, as he smashed his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka in the opening Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Promoted to the crucial No. 3 position, the left-hander responded to the responsibility with a composed and stylish innings that immediately caught the attention of Indian cricket fans.
Padikkal reached his hundred in impressive fashion, combining patience with positive strokeplay on a surface expected to offer assistance to Sri Lanka’s spinners. His performance provided India with a major boost and added another exciting name to the conversation around the country’s Test batting future.
Devdutt Padikkal seizes his opportunity in style
Padikkal’s inclusion in the playing XI came after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out through injury, creating an opening at the top of India’s batting order. Rather than allowing the pressure of replacing an in-form batter to affect him, Padikkal walked into the role with confidence. The 25-year-old had already offered a glimpse of what was coming during India’s preparation for the series. He struck an unbeaten 142 in the warm-up game against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo, carrying that excellent touch into the Test match.
Batting at No. 3 is never straightforward, particularly in challenging overseas conditions. The position often demands a batter to handle the new ball while also taking advantage of opportunities when the field opens up. Padikkal managed both aspects impressively.
Elegant century lights up Galle
Padikkal’s innings was built around clean footwork, a strong defensive technique and an ability to find scoring opportunities without taking unnecessary risks. Instead of becoming overly defensive against the Sri Lankan attack, he maintained a healthy scoring tempo and consistently kept the pressure on the bowlers.
He eventually brought up his maiden Test century after facing 135 deliveries. His innings of 101 included nine fours and one six, coming at a strike rate of 74.81. What stood out most was the composure behind the numbers. Padikkal appeared comfortable against spin, used his height effectively and showed the temperament required to construct a substantial Test innings. His century became one of the defining moments of India’s first day in Galle.
Fans celebrate a special milestone
As Padikkal reached three figures, social media erupted with celebrations from Indian cricket supporters. Fans praised the batter for making the most of his opportunity and highlighted the significance of scoring his first Test century on Independence Day. The knock also strengthened Padikkal’s case for a longer run in India’s Test setup. His combination of technique, confidence and patience could prove valuable as the team looks to develop its next generation of red-ball batters.
For Padikkal, this is undoubtedly a landmark day. His first Test hundred is not merely a personal achievement; it is a statement that he is ready to compete for a permanent place in India’s top order. If his performance in Galle is any indication, this could be the beginning of a very promising chapter in his Test career.
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Here’s how fans reacted:
Dev Padikkal is class. And he’s also at the top of his game. India need to persist with him at No.3 even when Sai gets his fitness back #IndvsSL
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) August 15, 2026
Playing only the Third Test in 2.5 years. 1st Test Hundred. Well played, Devdutt Padikkal. #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/zFdPqk7HXe
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 15, 2026
Taught a lesson to BCCI
Taught a lesson to Agarkar
Taught a lesson to Gambhir
Scored a 100 in debut matchRCB Blood Devdutt Padikkal has arrived 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/wDQdB4wyUz
— 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭!𝟎𝐧_👑🚩 (@bholination) August 15, 2026
Very high quality century from Devdutt Padikkal. Looked like he belonged. Looked in command.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 15, 2026
Maiden Test 100 for Devdutt Padikkal 👏👏#DevduttPadikkal #SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/Gp80iPOrXN
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 15, 2026
Devdutt Padikkal god sent for India v spinners. Excellent technique, both in defence & attack. 👏👏👏
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 15, 2026
– ignored by selectors even after scoring tons of runs in domestic
– GT lobby preferred
– still kept working word
– scored 142* in warm up
– now scored hundred on a turning trackdevdutt padikkal for you all ⭐ pic.twitter.com/RjeV1zKCDX
— ` (@depressed_huyar) August 15, 2026
Devdutt Padikkal hundred is only the 5th Test century by an Indian No. 3 batter in the last 7 years.
3 of those came from Gill and one from Pujara. I think India should stick with Padikkal. He was actually ahead in the pecking order around the last BGT but injuries pushed him… pic.twitter.com/P8Qx7nms1H
— Vijay Anaparthi (@VijayCricketFan) August 15, 2026
Way to grab the opportunity!
Devdutt Padikkal gets in because of Sai’s injury and makes full use of it with his maiden Test ton. 👏
This is the first away Test ton by an Indian batter since Pujara’s 102* at Chattogram in 2022.
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) August 15, 2026
Superb hundred from Devdutt Padikkal! 💯
India lost an early wicket on Day 1 and the team was under pressure, but Padikkal walked in and completely dominated the Sri Lankan bowling attack The shot making, strokeplay and confidence have been outstanding.
He looks equally…
— СауравX (@HereToTroll72) August 15, 2026
Also WATCH: Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill lead Team India’s Independence Day celebrations in Galle