Devdutt Padikkal maiden Test century vs Sri Lanka: Indian batters who have scored 100 on August 15 listed originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Devdutt Padikkal became the first Indian to score a Test century on Independence Day.
- He joined Virat Kohli as the only batters from India with international hundreds on August 15.
- Padikkal reached his maiden Test ton against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Devdutt Padikkal's maiden Test century vs Sri Lanka
Devdutt Padikkal etched his name into the record books on a memorable Independence Day, scoring his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka in Galle. The left-hander's hundred carried added significance given the date on which it was achieved.
Handed the crucial number three role in place of the injured Sai Sudharsan, Padikkal produced a composed and stroke-filled innings in only his third Test. His century came on August 15, coinciding with India's 600th Test match, adding a further layer of occasion to the milestone.
The knock made Padikkal only the second Indian to register an international century on Independence Day and, crucially, the first to do so in the Test format. It placed him in the elite company of Virat Kohli, the only other Indian to have achieved the feat.
MORE: 'Devdutt Padikkal is God sent': India star hailed for dominating SL spinners
Indian batters who have scored a century on August 15
Padikkal's hundred means just two Indian batters have scored international centuries on Independence Day, with Kohli having set the precedent in the white-ball format.
Kohli was the first Indian to reach a century on August 15, scoring an unbeaten 114 off 99 balls against the West Indies in 2019 in the 3rd ODI of India's three-match tour of the West Indies.
Despite starting the day before, that match had crossed into Independence Day after being extended due to rain, and Kohli remains the only Indian with an international ton on both Independence Day and Republic Day, having scored 116 against Australia in 2012.
| Player | Score | Format | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 114* | ODI | West Indies |
| Devdutt Padikkal | 131* | Test | Sri Lanka |
Padikkal ended the rain-affected opening day unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls, having earlier brought up his hundred with nine fours and a six. His innings anchored India after KL Rahul retired hurt on 77 with cramps.
MORE: India coach praises Devdutt Padikkal after historic maiden Test century vs Sri Lanka at Galle
Why Padikkal's Independence Day ton means more than the occasion
Beyond the symbolism of the date, this century addresses one of India's most stubborn selection headaches.
The number three position has been a revolving door since Cheteshwar Pujara's departure, with seven different batters tried there across 19 Tests since the 2023 World Test Championship final, collectively averaging just 27.28.
Padikkal's composure against Sri Lanka's spinners, on a day when he adjusted to both a slow surface and later swing after the rain break, suggests he may finally offer some permanence.
A sterner examination will come on tougher pitches against better attacks, but on a day heavy with meaning, the left-hander gave India reason to believe their long search at first drop could at last be over.
For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages