Devdutt Padikkal made a dream return to India’s playing XI and slammed a century on the opening day of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka. Padikkal, who played his previous Test against Australia in Perth, remained unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls. The left-handed batter hit 12 fours and a six in his knock after coming out to bat at number three. Padikkal created history and etched his name in the record books during his knock and became the first-ever Indian to slam a century on Independence Day in Tests.

India have played a few Tests on Independence Day but no batter ever managed to score a century on the memorable day. Padikkal capitalised on the opportunity and breached the three-figure mark for the first time in international cricket.

Padikkal only got to play the first Test in Sai Sudharsan’s absence. Sudharsan suffered a toe injury recently and his availability was subject to fitness clearance. Sudharsan failed to get fit before the series and was ruled out.

Padikkal warmed up well for the series with a century in the warm-up game and he got an opportunity in the first Test. Even though he might not get to bat at number three upon Sudharsan’s return, Padikkal is expected to keep his place in the playing XI in the next series.

India dominated the opening day of the Galle Test and finished the day with a score of 288/2 after 73 overs. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal added 47 runs for the first wicket.

Padikkal and Rahul dominated the proceedings and batted for 42 overs together. They added 150 runs before Rahul was forced to retire hurt due to cramps. He came out to bat in the third session but returned without facing a delivery.

India lost Shubman Gill’s wicket in the final session. Rishabh Pant joined Padikkal in the middle for the final few overs. Rahul can come out to bat on the second day.