Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Devdutt Padikkal Stakes Claim for India’s Test No. 3
India beat Sri Lanka by 165 runs in a Test match in Galle.
Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 runs in the first innings and 44 in the second.
He also won the Player of the Match award.
His performance gave India more confidence about the No.
3 batting position.
Padikkal had prepared by scoring well in warm-up and India A matches.
He practised against many types of spinners and worked on stepping out to hit the ball.
His coaches said becoming Karnataka’s captain helped him become more responsible and confident.
He also overcame fitness and stomach problems that had once made him consider leaving cricket.
India’s second Test against Sri Lanka is scheduled for Sunday in Colombo.
Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 and 44 as India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in Galle.
His maiden Test century and Player of the Match award strengthened his case for India’s unsettled No. 3 position.
Padikkal prepared with an unbeaten 142 against SLC XI and scores of 67 and 94 on India A’s Sri Lanka tour.
He scored 543 runs at 60.33 for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy after becoming captain midway through the competition.
Coaches and former teammates credited improved footwork, spin preparation, fitness, responsibility and mindset for his breakthrough.
- Who
- Devdutt Padikkal, India, Sri Lanka, Karnataka coaches and former teammates were central to the report.
- What
- Padikkal made 167 and 44 in India’s 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the Galle Test.
- When
- The report follows the completed first Test; the second and final Test is scheduled to begin Sunday.
- Where
- The first Test was played in Galle, Sri Lanka, and the next match is scheduled at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
- Why
- Padikkal’s preparation, improved technique, fitness, responsibility and mindset contributed to his strong Test comeback and strengthened his case for the No. 3 position.
- Match result
- India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test in Galle.
- Padikkal’s scores
- 167 runs in the first innings and 44 in the second.
- Recognition
- Padikkal won the Player of the Match award and scored his maiden Test century.
- Recent preparation
- He made an unbeaten 142 against SLC XI and scored 67 and 94 during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka.
- Ranji Trophy record
- He scored 543 runs for Karnataka at an average of 60.33.
- Key domestic innings
- He made 120 not out from 85 balls against Punjab while captaining Karnataka.
- Next Test
- The second and final Test is scheduled for Sunday at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
