Devdutt Padikkal Scores Brilliant 167 in Galle Test, Joining Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara in Elite Club
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Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal has continued his sensational run of form on the international stage, delivering a masterclass with the bat during the ongoing first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle. Carrying his stellar momentum forward from the practice fixtures, Padikkal played a magnificent knock, transforming his overnight score into a commanding century and eventually crossing the 150-run mark. By anchoring India's first-innings total past 350 runs, the talented left-hander etched his name into the history books, joining an elite club of legendary Indian number-three batters on foreign soil.
Joining Dravid and Pujara in a Prestigious Record List
On Sunday, during the rain-delayed second day of the Galle Test, Padikkal reached his 150-run milestone off 215 balls with a sublime boundary against fast bowler Asitha Fernando. With this remarkable achievement, he officially became only the third Indian batsman in history to score more than 150 runs while batting at the crucial number-three position against Sri Lanka in Test matches. Before him, this rare feat was achieved exclusively by legendary wall Rahul Dravid—who scored 177 in Ahmedabad in 2009—and stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara, who played a brilliant knock of 153 runs in Galle back in 2017.
A Sensational 167-Run Knock Cut Short After Rain Resumption
Padikkal's superb innings eventually concluded when he was dismissed for a phenomenal 167 runs off 230 deliveries. His elegant and disciplined knock was laced with 15 boundaries and a towering six, anchoring the visitors through tough conditions before he narrowly missed out on a maiden Test double century. While the morning session on Day 2 faced delays due to wet outfields and intermittent rain, Padikkal remained completely unfazed by the conditions, displaying impeccable technique and temperament against the Lankan bowling attack.
Pant and Rahul Fall Early as Sri Lanka Fights Back
Despite Padikkal's heroics, the morning session saw early breakthroughs for the hosts. Rishabh Pant, resuming his overnight score of 27, struggled to settle against off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha and was eventually dismissed for 39 after mistiming an aggressive shot to Sonal Dinusha at mid-off. Meanwhile, Lokesh Rahul—who had retired hurt on 77 on Saturday due to cramps—failed to read the turn and bounce from Nuwantha, offering a simple catch to short-leg fielder Nishan Madushka. Though these quick wickets momentarily boosted Sri Lanka's confidence, Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel steadied the ship, adding a crucial 38-run partnership for the fifth wicket to keep India firmly in control.
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