Devdutt Padikkal Breaks Down Spin Barrier for Bangalore
Devdutt Padikkal became the first Indian batter to score a Test century on Independence Day, ending a 19-Test, 35-innings wait for a No. 3 hundred in a thrilling display against Sri Lanka on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Karnataka captain had waited 632 days for another India appearance, but he made up for lost time with a fabulous, fluent 131 not out off 178 balls against the Sri Lankan spinners. Padikkal's ability to use the crease, play off the back foot, and attack spin stood out on a slow Galle surface.
Coming off an unbeaten century in the warm-up game, Padikkal began confidently, hitting debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha for four before launching Prabhat Jayasuriya over long-on for six. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar hailed him as a "godsend for India" against spin, saying his defence, ability to rotate the strike, and attacking shots made him ideally suited to turning tracks.
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak credited Padikkal's preparation, revealing that he had worked extensively at the BCCI Centre of Excellence on his back-foot game, stepping out and playing sweeps. "I am so happy for him because he was actually waiting for his chance. The way he played here and in the warmup match, it's really encouraging," Kotak said.
Padikkal's hundred has strengthened his case for a longer run at No. 3, even when Sai Sudharsan returns from his toe injury. Manjrekar believes his proficiency against spin makes him a strong candidate to retain the position. "On pitches where there is going to be an emphasis on spin, India should bat him at number 3 even if Sai Sudharsan comes back, because he looks such a formidable player against spin," he said.
The last eight months have been particularly productive for Padikkal, who scored 543 runs at 60.33 in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, including two hundreds. His back-to-back IPL titles with RCB have also added to his experience, including the opportunity to work with Virat Kohli.
Padikkal's career has been marked by recoveries, including a modest 119 runs in five matches in the 2023-24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which he responded to with 465 runs at 155 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 556 at 92.66 in the Ranji Trophy, including three centuries.
Padikkal will look to build on this momentum when India take on Sri Lanka in the second Test, starting on Tuesday. The visitors will be eager to level the series, but Padikkal's resurgence has given them a boost in the form of a potent No. 3 batsman.
Source: Yahoo Sports