Devdutt Padikkal marked his return to Test cricket with a maiden century at Galle. After 632 days out of the side, he entered the match following a mix-up between openers and quickly settled into his innings. He began with a boundary and later struck a six against spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, showing strong footwork against both spin and pace. The surface offered little assistance early on, though one delivery from debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha drifted sharply. Pacers Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando also found limited help from the pitch. After a rain interruption, Padikkal and KL Rahul built a 150-run partnership that gave India control on the first day. Rahul retired hurt with cramps, but Padikkal continued aggressively to reach 131 not out. India finished at 288 for 2 after 73 overs. The knock came after an injury to Sai Sudharsan created an opening at number three. Padikkal had prepared thoroughly against spin and performed strongly in domestic cricket, scoring 543 runs in six Ranji Trophy matches while captaining Karnataka.
