Padikkal’s Maiden Test Hundred Gives India a Strong Start in Rain‑Hit Galle Test

Summary

Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 131 in his third Test, putting India 288/2 at stumps on Day 1 of the opening Sri Lanka‑vs‑India Test at Galle. KL Rahul retired hurt on 77, while Rishabh Pant finished on 27 not out. The rain‑affected day left India in a commanding position.

Day 1 Highlights

• Toss: India won and elected to bat.
• Top score: Devdutt Padikkal 131* (178 b) – his maiden Test century, 12 fours and a six.
• Key partnerships:
• Padikkal & KL Rahul – 150 runs for the 2nd wicket.
• Padikkal & Rishabh Pant – 52* runs unbeaten.
• Other contributions:
• KL Rahul 77 (162 b) before retiring hurt with cramps.
• Yashasvi Jaiswal run‑out for 32.
• Shubman Gill 16, dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya.
• Sri Lanka bowling: No regular breakthroughs; only two wickets fell (Jayasuriya and a catch off Gill).
• Weather: Rain interruptions delayed play but did not change the flow of the innings.

Record Note

Padikkal joins Sourav Ganguly as the only Indian left‑handers to score a Test hundred at No. 3 in the 21st century.

Implications for Day 2

• India starts with eight wickets in hand and a solid platform of 288/2.
• Sri Lanka will need early wickets to prevent a large first‑innings total.
• Padikkal and Pant are set to continue the assault if conditions permit.

How to Verify

The match report is available on the official ICC live‑scores page and on reputable sports news sites such as ABP Live, ESPN cricinfo, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) website.

--- *All figures are taken from the day‑one summary published by ABP Live on 28 July 2024.*