Galle: Devdutt Padikkal produced a remarkable performance in India’s first Test against Sri Lanka, scoring a career-best 167 and becoming the standout batter in a star-studded Indian line-up. Playing only his third Test, the left-hander struck his maiden Test century and went on to convert it into a commanding 167 off 230 balls, including 15 fours and a six.
Padikkal’s innings not only gave India a strong platform in the rain-affected Test at Galle but also placed him among a select group of Indian batters to score 150 or more in a Test innings in Sri Lanka. His knock also saw him surpass several notable records previously held by Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajit Wadekar.
Padikkal joins elite Indian batting club
With his 167, Padikkal became only the fifth Indian batter to score 150 or more in a Test innings in Sri Lanka, joining Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara in the elite list.
His achievement is particularly significant considering that he had entered the match with only two previous Test appearances. Padikkal had scored 90 runs across those matches, but his performance in Galle represented a major breakthrough in his red-ball international career.
The Karnataka batter looked assured from the outset and showed the composure required to build a substantial Test innings. His ability to handle the Sri Lankan attack, including the spinners, allowed him to remain at the crease for a lengthy period and anchor India’s innings.
Breaks Pujara’s record in Sri Lanka
Padikkal’s 167 also saw him break a record previously held by Pujara. Before this innings, Pujara had been the youngest Indian batter to score 150 or more in a Test in Sri Lanka.
Padikkal also surpassed Pujara’s record for the highest individual score by an Indian No. 3 batter in a Test in Sri Lanka. Pujara had scored 153 in Galle in 2017, but Padikkal moved past that mark with his impressive 167.
His achievement added another layer to an already memorable maiden Test hundred and demonstrated his ability to perform at a significant position in India’s batting order.
Only Dravid ahead among Indian No. 3 batters
Padikkal’s innings also placed him second among Indian No. 3 batters for the highest individual score against Sri Lanka in Test cricket.
Only Rahul Dravid remains ahead of him in that list. Dravid scored 177 against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad in 2009, while Padikkal’s 167 now occupies the second position.
The record is particularly noteworthy because India’s No. 3 position has traditionally been associated with technically accomplished batters. Padikkal’s ability to produce a major score at the position strengthens his case for a more permanent role in India’s Test middle order.
New record for left-handed Indian No. 3 batter overseas
Padikkal also established a significant record among left-handed Indian No. 3 batters playing Test cricket away from home.
His 167 surpassed Ajit Wadekar’s previous mark of 143 against New Zealand in Wellington in 1968. Wadekar’s score had stood as the highest overseas Test score by a left-handed Indian batter at No. 3 for decades.
Padikkal’s achievement therefore links his name with one of India’s pioneering left-handed Test batters while marking the emergence of a new generation in the national side.
A composed innings in challenging conditions
Padikkal’s innings was all the more impressive because the Test was affected by rain. India’s progress was interrupted during the second day, with a lengthy delay restricting the amount of cricket possible. Despite the disruption, Padikkal maintained his concentration and continued to build his innings.
India eventually reached 460 for nine at the close of the second day, with Padikkal’s 167 forming the foundation of the total. Sri Lanka’s spinners staged a late fightback, with Prabath Jayasuriya taking four wickets and debutant Keshara Nuwantha claiming three.
Padikkal eventually fell to Jayasuriya after being stumped for 167. The dismissal ended an innings that had appeared capable of going even further, with the batter having looked increasingly comfortable at the crease.
Strong partnerships boost India
Padikkal was supported effectively by his fellow Indian batters during his marathon innings. KL Rahul made 82, while Dhruv Jurel contributed a valuable 51 as India built a substantial first-innings total. Rishabh Pant also made 39 before falling during Sri Lanka’s late fightback.
Padikkal’s partnership with Rahul was especially important in consolidating India’s position after the early stages of the innings. The pair provided stability and kept the scoreboard moving before Sri Lanka’s spinners began making inroads.
The strong contributions from the top and middle order allowed India to maintain a commanding position despite the interruptions caused by rain.
Reward for domestic consistency
Padikkal’s breakthrough in Test cricket comes after a productive period in domestic cricket and the IPL. His performances for Karnataka helped him remain in contention for higher honours, while his displays in the 2026 IPL campaign for Royal Challengers Bengaluru further enhanced his profile.
His opportunity in the Test side came at an important moment, and he responded with the kind of innings that can influence selection decisions in the long term.
The No. 3 position remains highly competitive, with several established Indian batters capable of occupying the role. However, a 167 in only his third Test gives Padikkal a significant boost as he looks to establish himself in the red-ball side.
Padikkal makes a statement
The significance of Padikkal’s innings extends beyond the numbers. He entered the match surrounded by established names such as Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, yet emerged as India’s most assured batter.
His 167 was his maiden Test century, his highest score in international red-ball cricket and a record-setting innings in several categories.
For Padikkal, the performance represents a major step forward in his Test career. For India, it provides another option in the middle order and potentially strengthens the competition for the No. 3 position.
After years of domestic preparation and limited opportunities at Test level, Padikkal has now announced himself with an innings that will remain one of the highlights of India’s tour of Sri Lanka.