Devdutt Padikkal has suddenly become one of the biggest talking points around India’s Test team after producing a match-defining performance against Sri Lanka in Galle.
The left-handed batter scored a superb 167 in India’s first innings and followed it with 44 in the second, finishing the opening Test with 211 runs. His performance helped India take control of the match before the bowlers completed a 165-run victory.
For fans following India cricket latest news, Padikkal’s innings has created an important selection question ahead of the second Test: has India found a serious long-term option at No. 3?
What Did Devdutt Padikkal Score in the Galle Test?
Padikkal produced his best Test performance so far during the opening match of India’s Sri Lanka tour.
His match numbers were impressive:
- First innings: 167
- Second innings: 44
- Match runs: 211
- Highest score: 167
- Match average: 105.50
His 167 included 15 fours and one six and was his maiden Test hundred.
More importantly, the innings came when India needed a top-order batter to turn a good start into a commanding first-innings position.
Why Was Padikkal’s 167 So Important?
A century is valuable in any Test, but converting it into 150-plus can change the direction of an entire match.
Padikkal did exactly that.
India eventually posted 462 in their first innings. That total placed significant pressure on Sri Lanka and allowed India’s bowlers to attack with a substantial score behind them.
Padikkal’s innings therefore provided more than individual runs. It helped establish the platform from which India controlled much of the Test.
Shubman Gill later praised Padikkal’s ability to convert the hundred into a much larger score.
Padikkal Took His Opportunity After Sai Sudharsan’s Injury
One of the most interesting parts of this story is how the opportunity arrived.
Padikkal came into the side after Sai Sudharsan was unavailable through injury. Instead of simply filling a temporary position, Padikkal produced the type of innings that can create a genuine selection debate.
That is often how Test careers change.
A player receives an opportunity because of injury or availability, performs immediately and forces the selectors to reconsider the original hierarchy.
Padikkal now has that chance.
Has India Found Its No. 3 Test Batter?
It is still too early to make that conclusion.
One outstanding Test does not guarantee a permanent position, particularly in an Indian batting group with significant competition.
However, Padikkal has strengthened his case considerably.
A Test No. 3 generally needs to handle several different situations:
- Facing the new ball after an early wicket
- Building partnerships with the opener
- Playing spin confidently
- Batting for long periods
- Accelerating after becoming established
- Converting starts into major scores
Padikkal demonstrated several of those qualities in Galle.
His Performance Against Spin Was Particularly Encouraging
Playing spin effectively is essential for a top-order Indian Test batter.
Sri Lanka used their spin attack heavily in Galle, with Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha among the bowlers attempting to slow India’s scoring.
Padikkal did not simply survive.
He continued scoring and kept India’s innings moving.
That ability becomes especially valuable when batting in Sri Lanka, India or other conditions where spinners can bowl long spells.
Padikkal and KL Rahul Built the Foundation
Padikkal’s innings was supported by another experienced performance from KL Rahul.
Rahul scored 82 as India built a dominant first-innings total. Reuters reported that Rahul and Padikkal had already taken India to 197 for 1 during the opening day before Padikkal converted his start into a maiden Test century.
Strong top-order partnerships are particularly important away from home.
They allow the middle order to enter against a more tired bowling attack and can prevent the opposition from controlling the early stages of a Test.
What Did Shubman Gill Say About Padikkal?
Gill’s comments after the Galle victory added further weight to the discussion.
The India captain praised Padikkal’s consistency and highlighted his ability to turn a hundred into a substantial innings. Padikkal was also named Player of the Match for his contribution.
Support from the captain does not guarantee selection, but it indicates that the performance was valued beyond the final score.
Why the Second Test in Colombo Matters
India’s second Test against Sri Lanka begins on August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
For Padikkal, this match could be almost as important as Galle.
The first Test demonstrated what he can do when in form.
The next challenge is showing consistency.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers now have additional footage and information about:
- His scoring areas
- His movement against spin
- His preferred attacking shots
- How he handles deliveries around off stump
- How he responds when scoring becomes difficult
Successful international batters must continue adapting as opponents develop plans against them.
Could Sri Lanka Change Their Plan Against Padikkal?
Almost certainly.
After conceding 167 to one batter, a bowling attack normally reviews where it lost control.
Sri Lanka may consider:
- Bowling tighter outside off stump
- Reducing easy scoring opportunities
- Using more defensive fields early
- Attacking the stumps with spin
- Changing pace more regularly
- Bringing close fielders into play
- Testing Padikkal before he settles
How the Indian batter responds could reveal even more about his long-term Test potential.
Padikkal’s Left-Handed Batting Adds Value
Another useful element is that Padikkal bats left-handed.
Different batting combinations can make it more difficult for bowlers to maintain the same line, particularly when a left-hander and right-hander are rotating strike consistently.
A left-handed top-order option also gives India greater flexibility when planning against different bowling attacks.
That does not guarantee selection, but it adds another factor in Padikkal’s favour.
What Happens When Sai Sudharsan Returns?
This could become one of India’s most interesting selection discussions.
Padikkal initially benefited from Sudharsan’s absence, but scoring 167 changes the conversation.
Selectors may eventually have to consider:
- Current form
- Recent Test performances
- Conditions
- Opposition
- Team balance
- Long-term batting plans
India do not need to make a permanent decision immediately.
Competition between quality batters can strengthen the squad.
One Test Should Not Decide Everything
It is important not to overreact to a single performance.
Cricket frequently produces spectacular individual Tests. The bigger challenge is repeating that performance across different conditions and against different attacks.
Padikkal still needs to demonstrate consistency against:
- High-quality pace
- Swing and seam movement
- Different spin attacks
- Short-pitched bowling
- Overseas conditions
- Pressure situations
Galle has given him a strong platform rather than a guaranteed position.
Why Padikkal Is a Player to Watch in Colombo
India enter the second Test with a 1-0 series advantage after their 165-run win in Galle.
Several Indian players will attract attention, including Manav Suthar after his 10-wicket haul, but Padikkal’s batting position creates a particularly interesting storyline.
For cricket followers checking the latest series developments through 11xplay, his second-Test innings will be worth following closely.
If he produces another substantial score, the discussion around India’s No. 3 position could become much more serious.
What India Will Want From Padikkal Next
India do not necessarily need another 167.
A valuable contribution could involve:
- Surviving a difficult opening spell
- Building a long partnership
- Scoring a controlled fifty
- Countering Sri Lanka’s spinners
- Batting through a difficult session
- Setting up a strong first-innings total
Test batting should be judged by match context as well as individual milestones.
Conclusion
Devdutt Padikkal’s 167 against Sri Lanka has created one of the most interesting selection stories around India’s Test team.
His maiden Test century was not simply an individual milestone. It helped India establish a commanding first-innings position and eventually secure a 165-run victory in Galle.
The 44 in the second innings added further evidence that Padikkal was comfortable in the conditions.
Now comes the more difficult part: repeating the performance.
If Padikkal can deliver another strong innings in Colombo, India’s No. 3 discussion may move from temporary replacement to genuine long-term competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many runs did Devdutt Padikkal score against Sri Lanka?
Padikkal scored 167 in the first innings and 44 in the second, finishing the Galle Test with 211 runs.
Was 167 Padikkal’s first Test century?
Yes. The 167 in Galle was his maiden Test hundred.
How many boundaries did Padikkal hit in his 167?
He struck 15 fours and one six.
Was Devdutt Padikkal Player of the Match?
Yes. He was named Player of the Match after his performances in India’s victory.
Why did Padikkal get an opportunity in the team?
He was drafted into the side following Sai Sudharsan’s injury.
Is Padikkal now India’s permanent No. 3?
Not yet. His Galle performance has strengthened his case, but future selection will depend on form, conditions, team balance and the availability of other batters.
When is India’s next Test?
India’s second Test against Sri Lanka begins on August 23, 2026, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
