Devdutt Padikkal marked his arrival on the Test stage in style, smashing his maiden Test century on the opening day of the first Test between Sri Lanka and India in Galle.
After winning the toss, India opted to bat first and ended the rain-affected opening day on 288/2.
Padikkal produced a superb unbeaten 131, anchoring India’s innings and becoming the standout performer of the day.
India lost their first wicket at 47, with Yashasvi Jaiswal run out. Padikkal then combined with KL Rahul to put together a valuable 150-run partnership. Rahul was forced to retire hurt after scoring 77.
Sri Lanka struck again when Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed Shubman Gill for 16, leaving India two wickets down.
Meanwhile, Keshara Nuwanth made his Test debut for Sri Lanka in the match.
Persistent rain interruptions restricted play to just 73 overs on the opening day. At stumps, Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131, with Rishabh Pant alongside him at the crease.
