The 26-year-old Devdutt Padikkal has registered his name in India’s cricket history, smashing his maiden Test century on Independence Day during the first Test of the India tour of Sri Lanka in 2026.
The left-hander brought up his century at No. 3 after stepping into the role as a replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan.
His century came on August 15, coinciding with India’s 600th Test match, adding another touch of significance to the achievement.
He became the second Indian to register an international century on Independence Day and, crucially, the first to do so in the Test format.
Previously, Virat Kohli was the only Indian to have achieved the feat. Devdutt Padikkala’s hundred means just two Indian batters have scored international centuries on Independence Day, with Virat Kohli having set the record in the white-ball format.
Century and counting 🔥
That feeling when you get to your Maiden Test Ton! 💯
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— BCCI (@BCCI) August 15, 2026
India produced a dominant batting display on the opening day of the Test series against Sri Lanka, scoring 288 runs for 2 in 73 overs in Galle.
Padikkal, who played his third Test match, hit his maiden Test century and remained unbeaten on 131.
Devdutt’s class and solid control have put India on top and getting a cheering from the dressing room. After Jaiswal got dismissed on a run-out due to a mix-up, Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul put up a 150-run partnership before KL Rahul developed a strain.
After KL Rahul retired hurt on 77 due to cramps, Shubman Gill joined Padikkal before being dismissed for 16 runs. After which Rishabh Pant joined and remained until the stumps. Play was called off at 6 PM SLST, after rain delays 17 overs of the first day’s play.
By the end of day 01, Devdutt Padikkal (131) and Rishabh Pant (27) remained unbeaten, putting India in a strong position at Galle.