IND vs SL 2026: Devdutt Padikkal’s 117 Powers India on Day One in Colombo

Devdutt Padikkal struck his second straight Test century as India reached 300/5 at stumps on day one of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Padikkal made 117 from 193 balls, hitting 12 fours in a patient knock. He played a key role in rebuilding India’s innings after the team lost early wickets.

The left-hander had two early scares, getting dropped on 0 at backward point and again on 1 at slip. He made Sri Lanka pay for those missed chances.

After settling down, Padikkal batted with growing confidence. He brought up his century in the 70th over and became the first Indian batter to score hundreds in his first two Tests of the series.

Padikkal first joined hands with captain Shubman Gill for a 120-run partnership for the third wicket. The stand helped India recover and put pressure back on Sri Lanka.

He then added another important 74 runs with Ravindra Jadeja. Padikkal continued to control the innings until Sri Lanka finally found a way through.

His century came just one Test after his maiden hundred, a superb 167 in the series opener at Galle. The back-to-back hundreds underline his strong start to the series.

Padikkal’s innings eventually ended when Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando bowled him. Fernando was Sri Lanka’s best bowler on the day, finishing with figures of 3/46.

India finished the opening day in a strong position at 300/5, with Padikkal’s century and his partnerships providing the base for a big first-innings total.