Padikkal downplays No.3 debate after 167 in Galle as India seek series advantage

Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 and 44 as India took control of the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Day 4 of the two-Test series. The Karnataka batter’s performances have put India in a dominant position going into the final day.

Padikkal’s selection was not part of the original plan: he was drafted into the XI after Sai Sudharsan, India’s preferred No.3, was ruled out of the two-Test series with a toe injury. Padikkal had not played a Test since 2024 and arrived in Sri Lanka having struck an unbeaten 142 against a Sri Lanka XI in the warm-up match in Colombo.

In Galle, Padikkal converted that form into a maiden Test century, making 167 in India’s first innings as the visitors posted 462. Sri Lanka were then bowled out for 284 in their first innings.

Padikkal also contributed 44 in India’s second innings as the visitors set Sri Lanka a target of 362. At the close of Day 4, Sri Lanka were 84 for four, leaving them 288 runs short of the target with six wickets in hand.

Padikkal refused to be drawn into speculation about a prolonged run at No.3, saying: "I don't think those kinds of conversations (long run at No.3) take place. It's important that whenever you get that opportunity, you have to take it. I don't really go looking for those conversations," Padikkal said after the fourth day's play.

He added: "I don't really put too much emphasis on getting a run of games or things like that because in modern-day cricket, you cannot really expect those kinds of things. It's a highly result-driven business. Whenever you go out there, you are expected to perform," and: "If you are not doing that, you are always on the line in terms of your performance, your job or whatever it may be. I think for me, whenever I go out there, I try to score runs. If I am doing that, I am sure I will play more games."

India are firmly in control heading into the final day and are within touching distance of taking a 1-0 lead in the series.