Padikkal 131* guides India to 288/2 on Day 1 of 1st Test

Devdutt Padikkal anchored India to a commanding position on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka, scoring a masterful unbeaten 131 to guide the visitors to 288 for 2 at stumps. The significant innings occurred at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on August 15, 2026, a date marking both India's 80th Independence Day and the nation's 600th Test match.

Winning the toss, captain Shubman Gill elected to bat first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. The opening partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul was worth 47 before Jaiswal was run out for 32. Padikkal, the 24-year-old left-hander playing only his third Test, then combined with Rahul to build a dominant 150-run stand for the second wicket. While Rahul contributed a composed 77, Padikkal took command, reaching his maiden Test century off 134 balls and eventually finishing the day unbeaten on 131 off 178 deliveries, an innings featuring 12 fours and a six. Rahul was forced to retire hurt due to severe cramps late in the day.

"It is just that KL stopped halfway. Jaiswal got up and took one step. And that's why probably that misunderstanding happened," India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak...