Devdutt Padikkal Achieves First Test Century, Scores 167 in Galle Test

In a remarkable display, Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden Test century, amassing 167 runs during the second day of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka. This performance marked the first time he reached three figures in any format representing India, demonstrating his ability to convert a first-class hundred into a 150 for the sixth time in ten attempts.

Reflecting on his innings, Padikkal noted his relentless drive to accumulate runs. “I think, honestly, it’s just the hunger to score more runs,” he shared after day two’s play. He emphasized the significance of the initial moments post-century, describing the next 20-30 balls as a crucial phase requiring intense focus. “The moment you get to a hundred, it’s easy to relax and feel that relief,” he added.

Padikkal’s proactive approach against Sri Lankan spinners was a standout aspect of his innings. He aggressively pulled the first ball he faced for four runs and hit his sixth ball for a straight six, applying consistent pressure on the bowlers. He commented on the importance of having a specific game plan when facing spin, suggesting that players should not solely rely on reactive strategies. “It’s important that you have a couple of shots in your head that you want to play as soon as you go out there,” he said.

As India continued batting, the team concluded a rain-affected day at 460 for 9. With the pitch starting to show signs of turn, Padikkal assessed that it would take more time before conditions became truly challenging for batting. “I think it will take probably another couple of sessions for the pitch to really start breaking up,” he noted, recognizing that the conditions in Galle can quickly shift, particularly in the latter stages of the match.

Plan for Quick Runs

With substantial rain resulting in the loss of 55 overs, the Indian side approached their batting with urgency to score quickly, setting up Sri Lanka for their innings as soon as possible. Dhruv Jurel contributed a brisk 51 off 68 balls, articulating that the team’s strategy was centered around sensible batting while fostering lower-order partnerships. “Yeah, you can say there was a plan to score as many runs as we could quickly,” he stated.

Commenting on the fluctuating pitch conditions, Jurel indicated that recent experiences during the India A matches had shown how rapidly the wicket could change based on the weather. He pointed out the necessity for India’s bowlers to put in long spells and maintain consistency. “If we have to win, we have to take 20 wickets,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of executing their bowling plans effectively.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn