Padikkal’s unbeaten 131 at Galle ended a stretch built on indecision, not a lack of talent. India shuffled seven batters through the No. 3 slot across 19 Tests since Pujara’s exit in June 2023, and none reached three figures until now. Padikkal was only a late replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan, yet he batted through the middle session and into stumps without looking rushed. His control against Jayasuriya and debutant Nuwantha turned a fill-in assignment into the clearest audition India’s top order has produced in three years.
Padikkal’s Innings Unfolds Session by Session
India won the toss and batted first in their 600th Test. Jaiswal and Rahul added 101 before Jaiswal was run out for 32 in the 11th over. Padikkal walked in and looked assured, launching Jayasuriya for six early.
Padikkal and Rahul added 150 in the middle session. Padikkal was the aggressor, scoring 82 runs off the back foot at a strike rate above 86, and reached his century off 134 balls as Rahul was forced off with cramps. Gill fell for 16 before Pant joined him. Bad light and rain ended play with Padikkal unbeaten on 131 from 178 balls, 12 fours and a six, and India on 288 for 2 in 73 overs.
Batter | Runs (Balls) | Strike Rate | Boundaries | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Yashasvi Jaiswal | 32 (37) | 86.49 | 5×4, 0x6 | Run out |
KL Rahul | 77 (162) | 47.53 | 9×4, 1×6 | Retired hurt |
Devdutt Padikkal | 131* (178) | 73.60 | 12×4, 1×6 | Not out |
Rishabh Pant | 27* (36) | 75.00 | 3×4, 1×6 | Not out |
Nineteen Tests Without a Number Three Century
Since Pujara’s last Test at the 2023 World Test Championship final, India tried seven batters at No. 3 across 19 Tests before Galle. Those players averaged just 27.28 from 35 innings, with five fifty-plus scores and no centuries. Only England and West Indies tried more No. 3 options.
The last Indian to reach three figures from No. 3 was Gill, against Bangladesh in Chennai, September 2024. Padikkal was not even the first-choice option this tour; Sudharsan held the role until a toe injury ruled him out.
Devdutt Padikkal, India’s No 3 Batting Position
He arrived at Galle in the form of his career. In the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, he scored 543 runs at 60.33, with a double century in the semi-final, then an unbeaten 142 in the tour warm-up against an SLC XI.
His first three Test innings came in different circumstances. On debut against England in Dharamsala, March 2024, he batted at four as injury cover and made 65 off 103 balls. Against Australia in Perth, November 2024, facing Starc and Hazlewood on a seaming pitch, he made 0 and 25, then sat out 14 Tests.
Galle marked his first innings there as the planned, first-choice option, not a stopgap. His method against spin, using his feet or sitting deep to work the ball through midwicket and square leg, suited the surface, making him only the second left-hander to score a Test hundred from there this century, after Ganguly.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Plan Fell Short
Nuwantha, on debut, went for 175 runs in 39 overs at an economy above 4.4, the day’s costliest spell. Jayasuriya was tighter at 2.72 from 37 overs and took the only wicket, Gill caught at mid-off, but even he could not slow Padikkal late in the day.
The pitch turned from under 4 degrees to past 4 through the day, so the surface was not the problem. Padikkal read the turn early, coming down the track or sitting deep to work through the leg side, and Sri Lanka never adjusted a line to stop it.
India’s No 3 Puzzle Isn’t Solved Yet
The bigger question sits with the selectors now. Does an innings from a player who was not first, second, or even reserve choice change things once Sudharsan returns? Padikkal is 26, playing the best cricket of his career, and has shown in a real Test that his technique holds against genuine turn.
What Galle proves is not that India have found their number three. It proves India had more than one player capable of the job, and cycling through seven names across 19 Tests was never about a shortage of ability, but a refusal to commit. Nineteen Tests of hesitation over the Devdutt Padikkal India No 3 batting position ended in a single afternoon.
Has Padikkal made the No. 3 spot his own, or does Sudharsan walk back in once fit? Tell us your XI below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many runs did Devdutt Padikkal score on Day 1 at Galle?
Padikkal finished unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls, with 12 fours and a six. He reached his century in 134 balls before bad light ended play with India at 288 for 2.
Why did KL Rahul retire hurt during the Galle Test?
Rahul left the field with severe cramps spreading through his forearm, hands, and legs. He was unbeaten on 77 off 162 balls when he retired hurt, with the team expecting him back on Day 2.
How many players has India used at No. 3 since Pujara left the side?
India tried seven different batters at number three across 19 Tests before Padikkal’s century. Those players averaged only 27.28 across 35 innings, with five fifties and zero hundreds between them.
How did Devdutt Padikkal earn his place in the Galle XI?
He replaced Sai Sudharsan, who was ruled out with a toe injury before the series. Padikkal arrived after 543 Ranji Trophy runs at 60.33 and an unbeaten 142 in the warm-up game.
Who was the last Indian to score a Test century from No. 3 before Padikkal?
Shubman Gill was the last Indian centurion from that position, against Bangladesh in September 2024. That gap stretched to 19 Tests without a hundred from the role until Padikkal’s 131.