Devdutt Padikkal’s first Test century, a 167 against Sri Lanka, was hailed by India’s vice-captain KL Rahul. Rahul emphasised cooperation, planning, and the need to stay focused when things get harder while calling the accomplishment exceptional. In the absence of injured Sai Sudharsan, Padikkal batted at number three and hit 15 boundaries and a six before Prabath Jayasuriya stumped him. An important turning point in his early international career, the innings occurred in his third Test match.
After witnessing Devdutt Padikkal’s ascent through the ranks in the Karnataka lineup, India’s vice-captain KL Rahul was extremely proud of the young left-handed batsman’s 167, his first Test century against Sri Lanka, which he described as “very special.”
At the end of day two’s play, India made 460/9 in 116 overs thanks to Padikkal’s outstanding effort, which included 15 fours and a six while batting at number three. “Very special—obviously from the same state—Dev is someone I’ve watched rise from the under-19 ranks, score runs for Karnataka, and eventually make it to Indian cricket.”
Talking with the BBC, KL Rahul said, “Obviously, coming from the same state, Dev is somebody that, you know, I have seen come through the ranks from under-19s and, you know, scored tonnes and tonnes of runs for Karnataka and made his way up to Indian cricket.“
For the previous two years, Padikkal had been quietly honing certain areas of his batting while he waited for his chance to join the Test team. Before this series, Rahul and Padikkal had talked about the difficulties of playing in Sri Lanka and what to anticipate in the extended game format.
He further added, “In the last couple of years, he has been waiting for his opportunity and quietly toiling in the nets and trying to get better at some aspects of his batting. We have had a lot of chats over the last couple of years that he is with the team about what needs to get better or what to expect in Sri Lanka, what to expect in the Test matches to come.”
