Sri Lanka: Top-order batsman Devdutt Padikkal made a memorable comeback on Saturday, posting his maiden hundred as India finished the first day of the first Test against Sri Lanka on 288-2 in Galle.
Left-hander Padikkal reached 131 not out in a chanceless innings as India batted themselves into a strong position after electing to bat first in the country's 600th Test.
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.
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.
The 26-year-old faced 178 balls by the end of the day, hitting 12 fours and a six.
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised Padikkal's performance.
"He was waiting for an opportunity and he's made most of it today," he told reporters after the day's play.
"The pitch offered different challenges. There was assistance for seamers after the rain but he showed lots of character."
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.
Padikkal was the first to reach his half-century, off 81 balls, while Rahul took 127 deliveries to record his 21st Test half-century.
They added 150 runs for the second wicket before Rahul was forced to retire on 77 due to cramps soon after tea.
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