Padikkal hits impressive maiden ton as India dominate Sri Lanka on day one in Galle

[p]Left-hander [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/padikkal-devdutt/h2IB22df/"]Padikkal[/a] reached 131 not out in a chanceless innings as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/india/fcOzl2uI/"]India[/a] batted themselves into a strong position after electing to bat first in [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/cricket/india-fcOzl2uI/sri-lanka-zahH5UHg/?mid=zo6K5Xjg"]the country's 600th Test[/a].[/p][p]Padikkal was recalled to the side as a late injury replacement for Sai Sudharsan and made a strong claim to become India's long-term number three batsman.[/p][p]He last played a Test in November 2024 but scored a hundred in a warm-up game in Colombo last week and carried that good form on to Galle.[/p][p]The 26-year-old faced 178 balls by the end of the day, hitting 12 fours and a six.[/p][p]India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised Padikkal's performance.[/p][p][b]"He was waiting for an opportunity, and he's made most of it today,"[/b] he told reporters after the day's play.[/p][p][b]"The pitch offered different challenges. There was assistance for seamers after the rain, but he showed lots of character."[/b][/p][embed guid="c0fcb161-7372-4508-b321-e3a79c270b60" url="https://x.com/BCCI/status/2088584154682400842" social-type="twitter" /][p]Padikkal joined K.L. Rahul after opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32 following a mix-up, and they combined to put India in a strong position.[/p][p]Padikkal was the first to reach his half-century, off 81 balls, while Rahul took 127 deliveries to record his 21st Test half-century.[/p][p]They added 150 runs for the second wicket before Rahul was forced to retire on 77 due to cramps soon after tea.[/p][h2]Nasty blow for Nishan[/h2][p]Rahul, who hit nine fours and a six, is expected to resume his innings on day two.[/p][p]Padikkal reached his hundred with a single off debutant spinner Keshara Nuwantha to mid-off.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/sri-lanka/zahH5UHg/"]Sri Lanka[/a]'s fielding coach Jordon Gregory rued the lost chances.[/p][p][b]"We were consistent with our areas for the most part of the game. The spinners in particular created some opportunities but didn't have much luck,"[/b] he said.[/p][p][b]"Credit to Padikkal in particular for the manner in which he batted. It was only his third Test, and he looked solid."[/b][/p][p]Indian captain Shubman Gill, who struck two boundaries in an over by Asitha Fernando, was dismissed for 16 when he tried to loft Prabath Jayasuriya but couldn't clear mid-off.[/p][p]Padikkal and Rishabh Pant saw India through to stumps, with the wicketkeeper-batsman stepping out to the spinners during his unbeaten 27-run knock that included three fours and a six.[/p][embed guid="321b16cc-64fa-48f8-ad1d-bc65c68aeb30" url="https://x.com/BCCI/status/2088605947694596471" social-type="twitter" /][p]Sri Lanka fielder Nishan Fernando had to leave the field after copping a nasty blow on his helmet as Rahul attempted a sweep shot in the morning session.[/p][p]There were some concerns as the team physiotherapist conducted a concussion test on Fernando, who returned later to field in close.[/p][p]Only 73 overs of the scheduled 90 were possible due to rain, and play will start 15 minutes early on Sunday to make up for lost time.[/p][p]A sizeable crowd turned out as Galle hosted its landmark 50th Test, after Sri Lanka Cricket made the entrance free for the public.[/p][p]India have not lost a Test against Sri Lanka since 2015.[/p]