Devdutt Padikkal marked his return to Test cricket with a maiden century at Galle International Stadium on August 15, 2026. Playing his first Test since November 2024, Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131 off 178 balls, striking 12 fours and a six as India reached 288 for 2 after winning the toss and choosing to bat first in their 600th Test match.
Padikkal had stepped into the number three position after Sai Sudharsan suffered an injury. His unbeaten 131 came off 134 balls, making him only the second left-handed batter to score a Test century for India from the number three position in the 21st century, following Sourav Ganguly, who hit 136 against Zimbabwe in Delhi in 2002. Padikkal also became only the second Indian to score an international century on August 15, joining Virat Kohli in that distinction. Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja shared his thoughts on about the knock from Padikkal.
"You can call it pure batting. He stuck with his approach and game from the first ball. It's not like he played differently after the hundred. He played each ball on merit. He defended when required and attacked when required. We saw a pure batter playing. Pleasing to the eye. It seems like batting is so easy when he is playing shots," said Jadeja on Sony Sports.
"The partner also feels he is playing so easily. I like him a lot as a player. I have been waiting since I saw him four or five years ago. Better late than never. There was no talk about him one match ago. He came in when someone got injured. I feel the more quality bowling comes, the more you will appreciate this batter," he added.
Kaif's analysis of Padikkal's back-foot technique
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif praised Devdutt Padikkal’s back-foot play and highlighted how effectively he used his bottom hand. He also described Padikkal’s approach as perfect for Test cricket.
"He is a good back-foot player. He remains more on the back foot. He got out on the front foot, not off the back foot. He scored 100 runs off the back foot. He uses the bottom hand well. The grip is low when he holds the bat," said Kaif.
"Whenever the two hands are close, you will have more control over the bat, especially for cuts and pulls. Back-foot play comes extremely handy when you go to Australia or England. Fantastic knock, and this was the perfect approach in a Test match," he added.