Padikkal falls for 167, joins Dravid and Pujara in Sri Lanka record list
· Sports · Times of India, NDTV Sports
In the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, Devdutt Padikkal was dismissed for 167 off 230 balls. The left‑hander hit 15 fours and a six, anchoring India’s innings despite lengthy rain breaks. With the 167, Padikkal became the third Indian batsman from No. 3 to score 150 or more against Sri Lanka, joining Rahul Dravid’s 177 in Ahmedabad (2009) and Cheteshwar Pujara’s 153 in Galle (2017). His wicket fell after he left the crease early, when Prabath Jayasuriya delivered a quick, flat ball short of off‑stump, which wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella collected. Padikkal had already made his maiden Test century on Independence Day and stepped into the No. 3 slot following Sudharsan’s injury. The innings was a key display of India’s batting depth as the team faced rain‑interrupted play and later suffered quick setbacks with Pant and Rahul being dismissed before play resumed.
Why it matters
Padikkal’s 167 solidifies his place at No. 3 for India, offering a strong middle‑order option in future series. The performance also adds to India’s record set against Sri Lanka, indicating a competitive edge for the team’s batting lineup.
Read the original report — Times of India
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