Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 in the first innings of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. The knock was only his third Test appearance and stands as the fourth-highest score by an Indian batter on Sri Lankan soil.
Padikkal entered the squad as an injury replacement for Sai Sudharsan, returning to Test cricket after a gap of nearly two years. He faced 230 balls, batted for more than five hours and struck 15 fours and a six before being stumped off Prabath Jayasuriya. Padikkal said he had not sought any assurances from the team management about his future in the side. He also managed a score of 44 in the second innings.
"It's important that whenever you get that opportunity, you have to just take it. I don't really go looking for those conversations. For me, it's important that whenever I get that chance, I perform," Padikkal said, as quoted by Cricinfo.
How did Padikkal's partnership with KL Rahul develop?
Padikkal put on 151 runs with KL Rahul during India's first innings at Galle, a stand that gave the innings its backbone. Rahul was eventually forced to retire hurt after being severely affected by cramp, cutting the partnership short before it could be extended further. The two batters share a long association through Karnataka cricket, and Padikkal said that familiarity made a clear difference at the crease.
"He understands the way I bat, the tempo in which I bat, and I do the same as well. When you have that kind of chemistry, I think it helps in stitching that partnership and really pushing the limits of how far we can go," Padikkal said.
What has Rahul Dravid's influence meant for Padikkal's Test journey?
Padikkal made his Test debut while Rahul Dravid was head coach of India, and he reflected warmly on the support he received during that period. Dravid has since moved on from the role, but Padikkal credited him as a consistent source of guidance throughout his early international career. He also pointed to the broader dressing-room environment, noting that senior players in the current setup have been equally accessible.
"Dravid has always been a great support. I made my debut under him, and he has always been open to having a chat whenever I needed to. I think everyone, for that matter, all the senior players around are really helpful in terms of being open to having those conversations," he added.