Padikkal and Suthar drive India to win in first Test at Galle

Devdutt Padikkal and Manav Suthar produced decisive contributions as India defeated Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle on August 19, 2026. Padikkal was named Player of the Match after scoring 167 in the first innings, while Suthar claimed four for 76 and six for 55.

Padikkal, 26, was playing his third Test and was selected at No. 3 with expectations of combining adhesion and aggression, following the Karnataka school of batsmanship associated with G.R. Viswanath and Rahul Dravid. He gained a place in the XI after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out by injury. The match was played on a slow pitch and the weather remained hot and sultry despite occasional showers.

Padikkal’s first-innings century removed doubt from India’s position; observers noted his shot selection and smooth accumulation of runs. During his partnership with team-mate K.L. Rahul, the two spoke about understanding the other’s tempo at the crease.

In the second innings Padikkal added 44, runs described as vital as India pushed for a larger lead.

Manav Suthar, 24, played his second Test and delivered left-arm spin characterised by loop and drift that the report said could constrict batters to their crease and tease them to their doom. He outshone his spin colleagues and was singled out among the side’s spin options.

The piece noted that Suthar left an indelible mark in an XI that included Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, and that his ability to contribute with the bat is an added bonus for a team described as having a fragile tail. With R. Ashwin retired and Jadeja described as in his twilight phase, the article suggested Suthar might carry forward the great Indian spin tradition.

The report added that both Padikkal and Suthar will face tougher scrutiny during India’s home Tests against the visiting Australians next year; India's immediate assignment is the second Test at Colombo.