Padikkal’s maiden century has India in charge: 1st Test, Day 1 (Galle)

India dominated the rain-interrupted opening day of the first Test at Galle, reaching 288/2 in 73 overs after Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat. Yashasvi Jaiswal made a brisk 32 before an unfortunate run-out, after which KL Rahul (77) and Devdutt Padikkal put India firmly in control with a 150-run partnership. Rahul retired hurt with cramps after tea, but there appeared to be no serious injury.

Padikkal then produced the innings of the day, reaching his maiden Test century from 134 balls and finishing unbeaten on 131 from 178 balls, with 12 fours and a six. Rishabh Pant was 27 not out alongside him at stumps. Sri Lanka’s attack, including its spinners, struggled to make breakthroughs on a surface offering limited assistance, leaving India exceptionally well placed to build a first-innings total.

India 288 for 2 (Padikkal 131*, Rahul 77*) vs Sri Lanka.

Aug 2026.