Padikkal’s unbeaten 131 steers India to 288 for 2 on Day 1 of 1st Test in Galle
India were 288 for 2 at stumps on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on August 15, 2026, after Devdutt Padikkal, playing his third Test, made an unbeaten 131 while Rishabh Pant was 27 not out and KL Rahul was 77 not out before retiring hurt.
Pre-series concerns about India’s vulnerability to spin had set the tone for the buildup to this match, with reports citing struggles over the past two years and India having been whitewashed in home series against New Zealand and South Africa. That scrutiny had put pressure on players and coach Gautam Gambhir, who the report said was visibly delighted, cheering from the dressing room as Padikkal reached his century. Sri Lanka’s home conditions and recent touring difficulties were part of the narrative that made India’s batting performance on Day 1 particularly observed.
Padikkal struck his maiden Test century and remained unbeaten on 131 as India compiled 288 for 2 in 73 overs by stumps. KL Rahul contributed an unbeaten 77 before retiring hurt with cramps after tea, at which point Rishabh Pant joined Padikkal and the pair saw the day out together. The two added 150 for the second wicket and ensured India finished the session in a commanding position.
The Sri Lanka left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed Shubman Gill for 16, while the India captain was noted as the only batter to fall to spin on the opening day; opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32 in the first session. The report stated that Jayasuriya, often influential in Galle, was unable to break the resistance of Padikkal and Rahul during the day.
Conditions were described as having an even covering of grass — more than usual for Galle — and the pitch offered sharp turn at times but did not produce consistent turn for the spinners. Rain interrupted play and 17 overs were lost; play was called off at 6 pm local time. Those interruptions curtailed the amount of cricket possible on Day 1 but did not prevent India from reaching a substantial total.
The report detailed contrasting approaches between the batsmen: KL Rahul was measured and focused on negating the spin threat, while Padikkal was described as free-flowing from the start, using his feet and the crease to attack the spinners and alternating between advancing down the pitch and rocking onto the back foot to play the ball late. Those methods underpinned the partnership that allowed India to press their advantage.
India seized control as their batters backed up the captain’s decision to bat after winning the toss, leaving Sri Lanka with defensive work to do when play resumes.