India End Day 1 of Galle Test on 288/2 as Devdutt Padikkal Hits Maiden Test Century

Galle: India ended the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in a strong position, reaching 288 for two in 73 overs at the Galle International Stadium. The highlight of the day was Devdutt Padikkal’s maiden Test century, as the left-hander remained unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls after India won the toss and elected to bat.

Padikkal, who returned to the Test side in the absence of the injured Sai Sudharsan, batted with patience and control throughout the day. He completed his century from 134 deliveries and played a key role in helping India build a strong first-innings platform.

India Make Steady Start Despite Early Setback

India began with a solid opening partnership before losing Yashasvi Jaiswal for 32. Jaiswal was run out after a collision with the bowler left him stranded at the non-striker’s end.

The dismissal briefly interrupted India’s progress, but the visitors remained in control during the first session.

KL Rahul then joined Padikkal at the crease, and the two batters put together a steady partnership. They negotiated the new ball and Sri Lanka’s early spin attack without taking unnecessary risks.

Rahul Retires Hurt, Gill Falls Quickly

The partnership between Rahul and Padikkal continued to develop until Rahul was forced to retire hurt after suffering a forearm cramp. Rahul had scored 77 before leaving the field and was unable to resume his innings after the tea break.

Shubman Gill then joined Padikkal, but the Indian captain's stay at the crease was brief. Gill was dismissed for 16 after being caught while attempting to attack Prabath Jayasuriya.

Rishabh Pant subsequently joined Padikkal and the pair remained unbeaten at the close of play, adding 52 runs to give India further momentum.

Padikkal Completes Maiden Test Century

Padikkal's innings combined patience with controlled aggression. He scored 131 runs from 178 deliveries, including 12 fours and one six.

The left-hander looked comfortable against both pace and spin, rotating the strike effectively while taking advantage of loose deliveries.

His century was an important milestone in his Test career and strengthened his case for a regular role in India's middle order.

Rain Interruptions Affect Day's Play

The day's play was interrupted by rain on two occasions, with India completing 73 overs.

India scored 101 runs for one wicket in the first session and added 96 runs without losing a wicket in the second session. In the final session, India scored 91 runs while losing one wicket before bad light brought play to an end.

Sri Lanka's bowlers found it difficult to maintain sustained pressure on the Indian batters. Prabath Jayasuriya claimed the only wicket of the day for the hosts when he dismissed Gill.

India's Score at Stumps

• India: 288/2 in 73 overs
• Devdutt Padikkal: 131* (178 balls, 12 fours, 1 six)
• Rishabh Pant: 27* (36 balls, 3 fours, 1 six)
• Last wicket: Shubman Gill c Lahiru Udara b Prabath Jayasuriya 16

Padikkal and Pant had added 52 runs for the partnership by the close of play, leaving India in a strong position heading into Day 2.

What Padikkal's Century Means for India

Padikkal's century provides India with an important foundation in the first innings, particularly with Sai Sudharsan unavailable. His composed batting also gives the team greater stability in the middle order.

For Sri Lanka, breaking the Padikkal-Pant partnership early on Day 2 will be an important objective. The hosts will also look to improve their discipline with both pace and spin as the Test progresses.

What to Watch on Day 2

• Whether Padikkal can convert his century into an even bigger score.
• How Rishabh Pant approaches the Sri Lankan spinners.
• Whether Sri Lanka can take early wickets and put India under pressure.
• Whether KL Rahul is fit enough to resume his innings and add to his 77.

With India already having established a strong first-innings platform, the visitors will look to continue building their total on Day 2, while Sri Lanka will aim to make early inroads into the Indian batting order.

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