Archive · 20 Aug 2026
KL Rahul praises Devdutt Padikkal after decisive Sri Lanka Test
India won the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 runs in India’s first innings.
KL Rahul said this was the most important part of the match.
He praised how quickly and steadily Padikkal scored.
Padikkal also made partnerships with several teammates.
The weather was very hot, making the innings physically difficult.
Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar took 10 wickets in the match.
Rahul said earlier India A tours helped both young players prepare for Test cricket.
These tours gave them experience in the conditions they would face.
Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 in India’s first innings against Sri Lanka in Galle.
KL Rahul called Padikkal’s innings the defining part of the Test.
Rahul praised Padikkal’s batting tempo, partnerships and ability to handle difficult heat.
Manav Suthar took 10 wickets in the match during only his second Test appearance.
Rahul credited India A shadow tours and first-class cricket for preparing the young players.
- Who
- India, Sri Lanka, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul and Manav Suthar.
- What
- India won the first Test, with Padikkal scoring 167 and Suthar taking 10 wickets.
- When
- The comments were made at a post-match news conference on Wednesday.
- Where
- The Test was played in Galle, Sri Lanka.
- Why
- Padikkal’s large first-innings score helped India build a strong total, while Rahul said India A tours helped prepare the young players.
- Match result
- India won the first Test against Sri Lanka.
- Venue
- Galle, Sri Lanka.
- Devdutt Padikkal’s score
- 167 runs in India’s first innings.
- Manav Suthar’s performance
- 10 wickets in the match.
- Suthar’s experience
- It was only his second appearance in Test cricket.
- Rahul’s assessment
- He called Padikkal’s innings the defining part of the Test.
- Preparation
- Rahul credited first-class cricket and India A shadow tours for helping players adjust to overseas conditions.