Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Devdutt Padikkal Strengthens His Claim To India’s No. 3
Devdutt Padikkal scored another very big hundred in a Test cricket match.
He made 117 runs in Colombo against Sri Lanka.
In the previous Test in Galle, he had scored 167 runs.
This means he has made centuries in two away Tests in a row.
He is the first Indian No.
3 batter to do this since Cheteshwar Pujara in 2018-2019.
Padikkal played carefully against good balls and attacked bad ones.
He also used his feet well and played spin bowling confidently.
His performance suggests he could become India’s regular No.
3 batter.
He also helped his teammates by forming useful partnerships with Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja.
Devdutt Padikkal scored his second consecutive Test century, making 117 in Colombo.
He followed his 167 in Galle during the first Test against Sri Lanka.
Padikkal became the first Indian No. 3 since Cheteshwar Pujara in 2018-2019 to score centuries in consecutive away Tests.
His footwork, strokeplay, patience and ability against spin were highlighted across both matches.
The back-to-back centuries have strengthened Padikkal’s claim to keep India’s No. 3 position.
- Who
- Devdutt Padikkal, playing for India against Sri Lanka.
- What
- He scored 117 for his second consecutive Test century and strengthened his case for India’s No. 3 position.
- When
- During the first innings of the second Test, on August 23, 2026.
- Where
- The Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Sri Lanka; his previous century came in Galle.
- Why
- His consecutive centuries, composed batting and effectiveness against spin have made him a strong candidate for the No. 3 role.
- Second Test score
- 117 runs in the first innings in Colombo
- Previous Test score
- 167 runs in Galle
- Historical milestone
- First Indian No. 3 since Cheteshwar Pujara in 2018-2019 to score centuries in consecutive away Tests
- First-Test result contribution
- Padikkal also scored 44 runs in the first Test and received the Player of the Match award
- Partnership with Shubman Gill
- Padikkal and Gill added 120 runs
- Partnership with Ravindra Jadeja
- Jadeja added 74 runs with Padikkal
- Key batting strengths
- Footwork, shot selection, patience, fluent strokeplay and mastery against spin