IND vs SL: Devdutt Padikkal joins Elite List as India dominate Day 2 in Galle

Devdutt Padikkal produced a landmark performance in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, scoring a magnificent 167 at No. 3 to join Indian batting greats Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara in an exclusive list.

The left-hander's innings was particularly significant given the circumstances surrounding his selection. Padikkal came into the Test amid an ongoing debate over India's No. 3 position and made the opportunity count in emphatic fashion. He had scored an unbeaten 131 on the opening day before continuing his innings into the second day.

Padikkal eventually reached 167 before his innings came to an end, having spent a considerable amount of time at the crease during a rain-affected Test. His knock helped India establish a commanding position against the hosts.

Devdutt Padikkal joins Elite List

Padikkal became only the third Indian batter to score 150 or more against Sri Lanka while batting at No. 3. Dravid had scored 177 in Ahmedabad in 2009, while Pujara made 153 in Galle in 2017. Padikkal's 167 has now added another impressive entry to the list.

His century came after India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early, with Padikkal joining KL Rahul at the crease. The pair then put together a 150-run partnership, helping India regain complete control of the opening day's proceedings.

The southpaw departed after scoring 167 runs, hitting 15 fours and a six in his knock. India, at the end of Day 2, sit at 460/9. For the Lankans, Prabath Jayasuriya picked up 4 wickets while debutant Keshara Nuwantha also managed to get 3 wickets. It was a day of cricket which was repeatedly interrupted as rain played spoilsport across the day. Despite that, the visitors find themselves in a decent position and would be vying to stamp their authority on Monday.