Our Bureau
Colombo
Devdutt Padikkal continued his remarkable run of form against Sri Lanka, scoring his second successive Test century on Sunday to strengthen India’s position on the opening day of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground. The left-hander made 117 off 193 deliveries, striking 12 boundaries as India reached 300 for five at stumps.
Padikkal’s century came after he had already made a commanding 167 in the first Test at Galle, where he was named Player of the Match as India secured a 165-run victory. His latest innings takes his tally in the two-Test series to 328 runs, underlining his growing influence at No. 3.
The century was particularly significant given the chances Sri Lanka missed early in the innings. Padikkal was dropped on zero and again when he had made one. He made the most of those reprieves, settling into his innings before taking the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers. He brought up his hundred from 168 balls, having hit 10 fours by that stage.
Padikkal also shared a 120-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill for the third wicket, helping India recover after the early departures of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gill contributed a half-century before being dismissed before tea.
The 26-year-old’s latest performance further strengthens his case for a permanent role at No. 3. He had already impressed in the series warm-up with an unbeaten 142 and followed it with his maiden Test century in Galle.
With two centuries in as many Tests, Padikkal has emerged as one of the defining performers of India’s Sri Lanka tour.