IND vs SL 1st Test, Day 1: Devdutt Padikkal’s Maiden Century Puts India Firmly in Control at Galle
India couldn’t have scripted a better start to this series if they tried. On a landmark day for the Galle International Stadium — hosting its 50th Test — Shubman Gill won the toss, chose to bat, and watched his side put together a genuinely dominant opening day. By the time bad light and rain interrupted play, India had reached 288 for 2, with Devdutt Padikkal producing a maiden Test century that instantly looked like the innings of the match.
It’s exactly the kind of start India needed too. This is a side missing Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan through injury, walking into a series where Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions have troubled visiting teams for years — and a Test landscape that’s shifted considerably since India last toured here in 2017 and swept the series 3-0.
Padikkal Announces Himself
Padikkal has been knocking on the door of a regular Test spot for a while now, and on Day 1 in Galle, he made about as strong a statement as possible. He batted with real assurance from the outset, growing more fluent as the day went on, and eventually brought up his maiden Test hundred before finishing the day unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls. For a middle-order spot that’s had more questions than answers in recent times, this was the kind of innings that changes conversations.
What stood out wasn’t just the runs but the manner of them — controlled through the tricky periods, punishing anything loose, and looking completely unfazed by the occasion despite this being just his breakthrough Test knock.
A Steady Start, Then a Flurry of Milestones
India’s innings had a bit of everything by the close. Yashasvi Jaiswal got things moving with a brisk 32 before being run out in unfortunate fashion, cutting short what had looked like a promising start at the top. KL Rahul then anchored the innings through the middle session, playing the patient, situational cricket his role demanded, and had reached a composed 77 by the time trouble struck — he retired hurt with severe cramps shortly after the tea break, an issue that will be one of the bigger talking points heading into Day 2.
Captain Shubman Gill didn’t get the start he’d have wanted, falling for 16, but between Padikkal’s century and Rahul’s contribution, India had already done the hard work of taking control of the innings. Rishabh Pant walked in and looked comfortable in his short stay, ending the day unbeaten on 27 alongside Padikkal.
Day 1 Snapshot (as play stood at the update)
- India: 288/2 in 73 overs
- Devdutt Padikkal: 131* (178 balls) — maiden Test century
- KL Rahul: 77, retired hurt (cramps)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 32, run out
- Shubman Gill: 16
- Rishabh Pant: 27* at stumps
- Sri Lanka bowling: Prabath Jayasuriya the only bowler to pick up a wicket
Sri Lanka Struggle for Answers
For a bowling attack built heavily around spin and expected to trouble India on home turf, Sri Lanka had a tough day in the field. Prabath Jayasuriya was the only bowler among their attack to find a breakthrough, and debutant Keshara Nuwantha — playing his first Test — didn’t have much luck either as India’s batters took the game away from the hosts session by session. Weather played its part too, with rain and bad light disrupting the afternoon session and denying Sri Lanka any real rhythm in their bowling changes.
Why This Test Matters
Beyond the occasion of Galle’s 50th Test, this match kicks off a series that carries real weight in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with India currently sitting fifth in the standings. A strong result here would go a long way toward addressing India’s underwhelming recent record in Sri Lanka, and with the bat already firmly on top after Day 1, the platform is there for exactly that.
What’s Next
All eyes on Day 2 will be on two things — how much further Padikkal and India’s lower order can extend this total, and the extent of KL Rahul’s cramping issue, and whether it affects his availability to bat again or field through the rest of the Test. If India can push well past 400, Sri Lanka will have a serious job on their hands just to stay competitive in this contest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who won the toss in the IND vs SL 1st Test?
India won the toss and elected to bat first at the Galle International Stadium.
Who scored a century for India on Day 1?
Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden Test century, finishing the day unbeaten on 131.
Why did KL Rahul retire hurt?
Rahul retired hurt after suffering severe cramps shortly after the tea break, having scored a composed 77.
What was India’s score at the end of Day 1?
India were 288 for 2 in 73 overs when the day’s play was affected by rain and bad light.
Which Sri Lankan bowler took a wicket on Day 1?
Prabath Jayasuriya was the only Sri Lankan bowler to take a wicket on the opening day.
Why is this Test significant beyond the series itself?
It’s the 50th Test to be played at the Galle International Stadium, and forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with India looking to improve their historically difficult record touring Sri Lanka.
