KL Rahul Celebrates Devdutt Padikkal's First Test Century

KL Rahul has expressed his excitement over Devdutt Padikkal's remarkable achievement of scoring his first Test century. Reflecting on their shared journey from U19 cricket, Rahul believes Padikkal is on the verge of becoming a consistent performer for the Indian team. Padikkal's impressive 167 runs against Sri Lanka showcased his skill, particularly against spin bowling. Rahul emphasizes the significance of achieving such milestones early in a player's career, which can lead to greater enjoyment and success in the sport. Discover more about their inspiring journey and Padikkal's potential in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 17, 2026, 10:56 IST

KL Rahul on Devdutt Padikkal's Maiden Ton

Indian cricketer KL Rahul expressed his joy over fellow state player Devdutt Padikkal achieving his first Test century. He reminisced about their connection since Padikkal's early days in U19 cricket, expressing optimism that Padikkal will soon find a rhythm that leads to more substantial performances for the Indian team.

Padikkal, stepping in at number three due to Sai Sudharsan's injury, made a significant impact by scoring 167 runs off 230 balls against Sri Lanka in Galle. His ability to handle spin bowling was a standout aspect of his innings.

A Journey from U19 to Test Cricket

In a video shared by the BCCI, Rahul remarked, "Coming from the same state, I have witnessed Dev's journey from the under-19 level, where he consistently scored runs for Karnataka, to making his mark in Indian cricket."

He added, "Over the past few years, he has patiently awaited his chance, diligently working on his skills in the nets. We've had numerous discussions about improving his game and what to anticipate in Sri Lanka and future Test matches."

Rahul noted Padikkal's previous success, mentioning, "He has performed well in India A and scored a century in the warm-up match, indicating he is in good form. His passion for batting and scoring big runs is evident, and I'm thrilled he achieved his first hundred."

Significance of Early Success

KL Rahul, who scored his first international century in just his second Test against Australia, emphasized the importance of Padikkal's achievement early in his career. He stated, "Getting that first century early allows a player to relax and enjoy their game, paving the way for further development in batting."

He concluded, "Padikkal is at a point where he comprehends his batting well and is accumulating runs. I believe he will transition into scoring larger innings for India and maintain consistency in his performance."