Devdutt Padikkal starred with the bat for India on Day 1 of the opening Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Replacing an injured Sai Sudharsan, he hit his maiden Test century while batting at No. 3.
His unbeaten 131 guided India to a commanding 288/2 in 73 overs before bad light and rain ended play. The southpaw was able to neutralize Sri Lanka’s premier spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, using sweeps, punches and attacking shots to good effect.
Padikkal’s knock drew significant praise from former cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, who praised the left-hander’s spin-handling skills and urged India to keep him at No. 3.
Taking to X, Manjrekar wrote: “Devdutt Padikkal god sent for India v spinners. Excellent technique, both in defence & attack.”
Speaking on Sony Sports, Manjrekar later shared insights on Padikkal's technique, emphasizing the range of options he possesses against spin.
“Devdutt Padikkal was the big change that India had,” Manjrekar said. “I really think selection is so good that when you see Padikkal walk in and play spin so comfortably—because he's good in defense against spin, he's good at picking 1s and 2s when the field is slightly deep, and then he's also good at playing attacking shots, and that too off the back foot on slow, turning pitches.”
Manjrekar went on to highlight Padikkal's back-foot play, which he reckons is the ultimate counter to slow, turning pitches because it grants the batter extra time to judge the ball's trajectory and spin after it hits the surface.
“That's something remarkable. On slow, turning pitches, to hit shots off the back foot with a straight bat and the pull shot tells you that it's somebody who wants to get onto the back foot,” he added. “And the best way to play spin on a slow, turning pitch is to play the majority of the bowling off the back foot.”
Considering his potency against spin, Manjrekar suggested the Indian team management to retain Padikkal at No. 3 even if Sudharsan returns from injury.
“Along with that, he's also got this knack of going down the pitch and hitting the ball over the sight screen. So on pitches where there is going to be an emphasis on spin, India should bat him at number 3 even if Sai Sudharsan comes back, because he looks such a formidable player against spin,” Manjrekar remarked. “I think it was godsent for India—Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3 with the kind of spin talent he has.”
Rishabh Pant (27*) joined Padikkal to guide India comfortably through the remainder of the evening session after skipper Shubman Gill was dismissed for 16. The duo will look to capitalise on their strong position when play resumes on Sunday morning.
