Padikkal Joins Elite Left‑Handed Batsmen with First Test Century at No.3

The Galle Test on August 15 turned into a showcase for Devdutt Padikkal, who turned his early promise into a landmark 100. After Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brief outing, Padikkal and KL Rahul took charge, confronting a sharp Sri Lankan attack.

Facing 134 balls, Padikkal’s innings comprised nine fours and a six, and his partnership of 150 runs with Rahul proved pivotal. The left‑hander’s century is notable not just for personal milestones but also for breaking a 22‑year drought for left‑handed Indian No.3 batsmen.

The last Indian left‑hander to achieve such a feat was Sourav Ganguly in 2002, who scored 136 against Zimbabwe. Padikkal’s hundred also follows Shubman Gill’s 2024 No.3 century against Bangladesh, reaffirming the potential of the top‑order slot.

India’s innings, after a modest start, was anchored by Padikkal’s composed aggression, allowing the side to dictate terms for the remainder of the match.