Galle: Padikkal’s maiden Test ton leads India’s strong start against Sri Lanka
India dominates opening day in Galle
Devdutt Padikkal achieved his maiden Test century, guiding India to a strong position on the opening day of their series against Sri Lanka in Galle. The left-handed batter remained unbeaten on 131 as India concluded the day at 2-288. This performance comes after India faced concerns regarding the number three batting position, particularly with Sai Sudharsan, one of several batters tried in that role over the past two years, being sidelined due to a toe injury.
Padikkal’s impressive innings helped set a formidable first-innings total for India at the Galle International Stadium. Earlier, opener KL Rahul contributed a composed 77 before retiring hurt. India, captained by Shubman Gill, opted to bat first on a pitch that was anticipated to offer many runs.
The initial partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rahul yielded 47 runs. However, a mix-up resulted in Jaiswal’s run-out for 32. Following this, Rahul and Padikkal formed a significant 150-run stand, ensuring Sri Lanka did not take any wickets during the rain-affected second session.
Padikkal and Rahul build crucial partnership
Padikkal’s aggressive approach was evident from the start, as he opened his scoring with a boundary. He later lofted Prabath Jayasuriya, the left-arm spinner, for a six. This aggression seemed to influence Rahul, who also attacked Jayasuriya in a similar fashion. Padikkal reached his half-century with a single off Lahiru Kumara, and Rahul soon followed, reaching his own fifty. The pair comfortably scored against the Sri Lankan attack.
The partnership continued to flourish, with both batters nearing their centuries. However, Rahul experienced discomfort in his bottom hand and was compelled to retire hurt at the start of the third session. His assured knock included nine fours and a six. The scoring rate increased towards the end of the second session, with India reaching 197/1.
After Rahul’s departure, captain Gill joined Padikkal. Gill, who scored 16, hit two boundaries before being caught at mid-off after charging at Jayasuriya. Jayasuriya’s wicket of Gill ended a long drought for the spinner at Galle, having gone almost 97 overs without a wicket previously. Rishabh Pant then joined Padikkal and remained unbeaten on 27, hitting three fours and a six towards the close of play.
Coaching staff praises batting efforts
India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, spoke to reporters at the end of the day’s play, commending Padikkal’s seamless transition into the number three role and his maiden Test hundred. Kotak highlighted Padikkal’s prior work on his initial movement and back-foot game at the NCA, noting efforts to prepare for turning pitches by practicing stepping-out, sweeping, and back-foot play.
Kotak also praised Rahul’s adaptability across different conditions and batting positions. He mentioned Rahul’s role as an opener in Tests and his position at five or six in limited-overs cricket, emphasizing his flexibility. Kotak stated that a senior player like Rahul performing well and building partnerships is beneficial for a young team.
Regarding the pitch, Kotak observed that it was on the drier side and anticipated it would favour spinners more as the match progresses. He noted that while 288 for two was a positive sign for India after the first day, the team still had a long way to go. Kotak concluded that historical records at Galle indicate a noticeable decline in batters’ average returns as games advance, suggesting increased spin. India will resume their innings from 288/2 on day 2 of what is India’s 600th Test and the 50th Test at Galle.
Source: cricket.com.au
