SL vs IND: Who was last Indian to score century in Tests at three before Devdutt Padikkal?
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Devdutt Padikkal scored a sensational ton to take India to good position in first innings.
The Indian Cricket Team have had an excellent start to the first Test of the Sri Lanka tour. The game is underway at Galle International Stadium, where captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first.
India got off to a good start with a 47-run partnership. But an unlucky runout sent Yashasvi Jaiswal (32 off 37) back to the dugout. His wicket brought India’s new no. 3, Devdutt Padikkal, to the crease. It was followed by a long second-wicket partnership of 150 runs.
KL Rahul played another measured knock and scored 77 off 162 before getting retired hurt due to severe muscle cramps. But Padikkal carried on the momentum and went on to smash a brilliant ton.
He was fluent in his approach and kept putting the Sri Lankan bowlers under pressure. With that, he also brought up his maiden Test ton. Padikkal also slammed a century in the warmup game and was given a chance at no. 3 after an injury to Sai Sudharsan.
Shubman Gill was last to score century before Devdutt Padikkal at three in Tests
Devdutt Padikkal is playing only his third test and has scored a century. This maiden hundred for the left-hander has helped him join an elite list. Notably, since Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped from the team, India have tried several batters at no. 3.
But not many have succeeded at this role. In fact, Devdutt Padikkal became the first Indian batter to score a test century at no. 3 since September 2024. Current Test captain, Shubman Gill, was the last Indian to score a test century at this position in September 2024 against Bangladesh.
In this period, India have tried seven Indian batters in 19 tests, scoring a combined 27.28 batting average across 35 innings.
India have used the third-most number of batters since the ICC WTC final of 2023 at no. 3, only after England (10) and West Indies (9). Secondly, Padikkal also became only the second Indian left-hander after Sourav Ganguly to score a Test ton at no. 3.
Who was the last Indian to score a test ton at no. 3 before Devdutt Padikkal?
Shubman Gill was the last Indian to score a test ton at no. 3 before Devdutt Padikkal. He scored a century against Bangladesh in September 2024.
Which Indian batter scored century in first innings of SL vs IND first Test?
Devdutt Padikkal was Indian batter scored century in first innings of SL vs IND first Test.
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Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.