Padikkal was dismissed for 167 on Day 2 of Galle Test against Sri Lanka.
Devdutt Padikkal successfully anchored India's first innings in the opening Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Replacing injured Sai Sudharsan at the crucial No. 3 position, the southpaw delivered a stellar knock of 167 runs – his maiden Test century.
Heavy downpours wiped out the first half of second day’s play, ensuring only 43 overs were bowled across the later sessions. Resuming his overnight score of 131, Padikkal played aggressively to cross 150 before being stumped off left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4 for 116.
Sri Lanka fought back sharply using the second new ball on Day 2, with debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha claiming 3 for 92, quickly packing away Rishabh Pant (39) and KL Rahul (82). However, a combative lower-order push led by wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel (52) alongside Manav Suthar propelled the visitors to a commanding 460/9 at stumps.
Speaking to Sony Sports at the close of play, Padikkal opened up about the hard work that went into reaching three figures and the approach he has developed to tackle spin.
"I've dreamt of this moment. For the last two years, I've been working really hard, you know, to try and make sure that when I get that opportunity, I can do something special like this, and I'm really happy to do that," Padikkal said.
The lanky left-hander explained that his strategy against spin bowling relies on pre-determined plans and specific attacking shots chosen before facing the bowler. This proactive mindset helps him apply pressure early, rather than just reacting to each individual delivery on the pitch.
"Especially when you're playing spin, it's important that you have certain plans in your head. You cannot go out there and expect to react all the time. It's important that we have a couple of shots in your head that you want to play as soon as you go out there, so that you can put some pressure on the bowler as well," he added.
"So, I think over the last year or so, we have really worked on trying to find ways, in our own strengths, that you can really implement to make sure that you put pressure back."
Padikkal credited his improved footwork and success against bowlers to absolute mental clarity and total commitment to every shot, whether attacking or defensive.
"I think when you have that clarity in terms of what you want to do, I think that brings that confidence in your footwork as well. I think I was just looking to make sure that I commit to whatever I do 100 per cent. Even if it's a defensive shot, I want to make sure that I really commit to playing that, so that made my footwork much better," he stated.
Devdutt Padikkal stays focused after reaching a century by locking in for the next 20 to 30 balls. He treats the period right after 100 as a dangerous phase to avoid relaxing.
"I think honestly, it's just the hunger to score more runs. I just enjoy batting out there, and the moment you get to 100, it's easy to relax and feel that relief. But it's important that for me, the next 20-30 balls are the really important phase that I try and make sure that I'm completely focused, completely there," he said.
"I think when I get past those first 10 balls after 100, it makes my job a whole lot easier. And over the years, I've seen so many cricketers get big runs, get big hundreds, especially back in Karnataka. So, just watching them bat makes me want to do the same."
Padikkal noted that the Galle surface was still holding up well but would likely deteriorate by days three and four to assist the bowlers.
"Not a whole lot more. I think it will take probably another couple of sessions for that to really start breaking up. But we know that in Galle, especially, it tends to quicken up pretty fast on the third and fourth day. So, we are expecting that to happen again. Hopefully, it will help our bowlers as well," he remarked.
Reflecting exhaustion after his long-awaited milestone, Padikkal chose rest over grand celebration, stating he just wanted to go to bed.
"Not really. I think I'm tired, so I'm just going to go back to bed now," he said.