Devdutt Padikkal’s Test century at No. 3 against Sri Lanka marked a significant moment for Indian cricket, bringing attention to the players who previously excelled in this batting position. Before Padikkal, Cheteshwar Pujara was the last Indian batter to score a Test century while occupying the No. 3 spot. Pujara established himself as one of India’s most dependable Test batters, particularly in challenging overseas conditions. His performances at No. 3 played a crucial role in India’s success during several memorable Test series. Padikkal’s century now adds his name to that notable list and highlights the emergence of another technically capable batter. His performance against Sri Lanka could strengthen his position in India’s Test setup and provide the team with another reliable option in the top order.
Devdutt Padikkal scored a sensational ton to take India to good position in first innings
This update is based on reports from Khelnow
The Indian Cricket Team made a strong start to the first Test of the Sri Lanka tour at the Galle International Stadium after captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first. India began positively, building a 47-run opening partnership before Yashasvi Jaiswal was unfortunately run out for 32 off 37 balls.
His dismissal brought Devdutt Padikkal to the crease at No. 3, a position that carried significant responsibility. Padikkal joined KL Rahul, and the pair produced an impressive second-wicket partnership worth 150 runs. Rahul played a patient and controlled innings, scoring 77 runs from 162 deliveries before retiring hurt because of severe muscle cramps.
Padikkal, meanwhile, continued to attack the Sri Lankan bowlers with confidence and composure. He eventually completed his maiden Test century, marking a memorable milestone in his international career. His century was particularly significant because he had already scored a hundred in India’s warm-up game before the Test.
Padikkal received his opportunity at No. 3 after Sai Sudharsan suffered an injury. His consecutive centuries have strengthened his case for a regular place in India’s Test side. The performance also highlights his ability to handle pressure and convert starts into substantial scores at the highest level.
Also Read: 3 J&K Cricketers Who Earned India Call-Up, Ft. Auqib Nabi
Shubman Gill was last to score century before Devdutt Padikkal at three in Tests
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CRICKET UPDATES
Devdutt Padikkal has made a significant mark in just his third Test match by scoring his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka. The left-hander’s impressive hundred has placed him in an elite group of Indian batters who have succeeded at the challenging No. 3 position.
Since Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped from India’s Test team, the No. 3 spot has remained a major concern, with several players given opportunities. Padikkal has now become the first Indian batter since September 2024 to score a Test century at No. 3. Shubman Gill was the last Indian to achieve the feat, scoring a century against Bangladesh in September 2024.
During this period, India experimented with seven different batters at No. 3 across 19 Tests and 35 innings, with the position producing a combined batting average of just 27.28.
India have also used the third-most batters at No. 3 since the 2023 ICC World Test Championship final, behind England and West Indies. Padikkal’s achievement is even more special as he became only the second Indian left-hander after Sourav Ganguly to score a Test century at No. 3.