Devdutt Padikkal turned India’s Independence Day into a personal milestone, striking his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium and becoming the first Indian batter to reach three figures in Test cricket on August 15.
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A Special Date, A Special Knock
Batting at No. 3 in place of the injured Sai Sudharsan, Padikkal brought up his century off 134 balls before finishing the day unbeaten on 131 from 178 deliveries, laced with nine fours and a six. It was only his third Test appearance, and his first since returning to the format after being left out of the series against England.
Joining an Exclusive Club
Padikkal became just the second Indian to score an international century on Independence Day, after Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 114 against the West Indies in an ODI in 2019. But Padikkal holds a distinction Kohli does not: his is the first Test century for India on August 15. Kohli remains the only Indian with centuries on both Independence Day and Republic Day, having scored 116 in a Test against Australia in 2012.
India Dominate Day 1
The century powered India to a commanding 288 for 2 in 73 overs before rain and bad light ended play early. KL Rahul contributed a gritty 77 before retiring hurt with cramps, while Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 27 at the close. Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya was the lone wicket-taker, finishing with figures of 1/77.
What It Means Going Forward
Padikkal’s innings also revives the debate over India’s long-vacant No. 3 slot, a spot last filled by a century from Shubman Gill in September 2024. With Sudharsan sidelined, Padikkal has given the team management a selection headache worth having heading into the rest of the series.
