Devdutt Padikkal Shines with Maiden Test Century in Galle

Devdutt Padikkal has made headlines with his first Test century, showcasing his talent and determination in the ongoing match against Sri Lanka. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak commended Padikkal's preparation and hard work, emphasizing the significance of this achievement for India's young cricket team. As Padikkal joins the elite ranks of Indian cricketers, his performance not only highlights his potential but also sets a promising tone for the future of Indian cricket. Discover more about this remarkable milestone and what it means for Padikkal's career.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 15, 2026, 23:45 IST

Padikkal's Breakthrough Performance

In Galle, Sri Lanka, on August 15, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised Devdutt Padikkal for seizing his long-awaited chance, celebrating his first Test century as a promising indication of the potential within India's youthful squad.

Padikkal transformed an opportunity arising from an injury into a remarkable achievement on Saturday, scoring his inaugural Test century as India took charge in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

In just his third Test match and after nearly two years away from the team, Padikkal finished the rain-affected first day unbeaten at 131 runs off 178 balls, helping India reach 288 for two in 73 overs.

Facing a pivotal match for his career against Sri Lanka, with regular number three Sai Sudharsan sidelined due to injury, Padikkal made a significant statement with his maiden Test century.

"I’m thrilled for him because he has been waiting for this moment, and he capitalized on it. This is very encouraging as I believe this young team has many talented players eager for their chances," Kotak expressed to the media.

Kotak attributed Padikkal's success to his extensive preparation and dedication, particularly his focus on handling spin and enhancing his back-foot technique.

He emphasized that much of the credit goes to Padikkal for his commitment over the past few years.

"Regarding preparation, I observed Devdutt at the NCA and noted his dedication. He was refining his initial movements and back-foot play. We always aim to prepare for conditions where spin is expected, working on techniques like stepping out, sweeping, and back-foot play," Kotak explained.

"While he has performed exceptionally well, it’s not solely due to our preparation. A significant amount of credit goes to Devdutt for his self-driven preparation over the last couple of years. We had a productive three-day game and six net sessions, but I commend the players for their batting performance," he concluded.

Padikkal also made history by joining the ranks of legendary Virat Kohli, becoming the second Indian to score an international century on Independence Day, marking a significant milestone as Kohli's was achieved in an ODI.