Devdutt Padikkal shone for India on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle and remained unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls. The left-handed batter negated Sri Lanka’s spin threat to keep India on top. India have been struggling in the spin-friendly conditions in the past couple of years. In 2024, New Zealand whitewashed India 3-0 and in 2025, South Africa whitewashed the home team 2-0. The Indian batters were well prepared for the spin challenge against Sri Lanka and did their job to perfection.

Sanjay Manjrekar was in awe of Padikkal and heaped praise on him. The noted commentator took to X and wrote: “Devdutt Padikkal god sent for India v spinners. Excellent technique, both in defence & attack.”

Interestingly, Padikkal wasn’t selected as India’s first-choice number three batter and he was behind Sai Sudharsan in the pecking order. Sudharsan suffered an injury before the series and his availability was subject to fitness clearance.

Sudharsan, who slammed back-to-back centuries for India A against Sri Lanka A, failed to recover in time. He has cemented his spot at number three and is expected to keep his place upon Padikkal’s return. Padikkal, who is playing his third Test, could bat at number six once Sudharsan returns.

India suffered a blow in the final session as KL Rahul walked off due to cramps. He was struggling in the second session but came out to bat in the third session. He left the field without facing a ball. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak provided a positive update on him and hinted that Rahul will bat on the second day.

“KL batted really well. I think he was getting only cramps. So by the end of the day, he was fine. Probably once you start getting cramps, you get it in the hamstring, you get it in the groin, you get it in your hand. But at the moment he looks absolutely fine. So he should be good to go tomorrow,” he said.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes a report by Sanjay Manjrekar. While Times Now has verified the public data presented, the interpretations of ‘intent’ remain those of the creator.