IND vs SL: KL Rahul says Padikkal knock as ‘Defining Part’ of Galle Test, Kirsten heaps praises as well

India’s emphatic victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle was built on several strong individual performances, but few carried the weight of Devdutt Padikkal’s maiden Test century.

Returning to the longest format after almost two years, the Karnataka batter produced a composed 167 that not only transformed India’s first-innings position but also earned high praise from senior teammate KL Rahul.

For Rahul, who has emerged as the most experienced batter in India’s new-look Test side, Padikkal’s innings was the defining moment of the match.

“I think that innings was for me the defining part of this Test match. The way he batted, the tempo that he batted with and to go on and get a big 100 in the first innings really set up the game for us,” Rahul said.

Padikkal’s innings was particularly impressive given the conditions. Although the Galle surface offered a relatively friendly batting environment, the heat was punishing. The left-hander negotiated 230 deliveries with remarkable discipline, constantly balancing patience with controlled aggression.

Rahul, who himself spent 175 deliveries at the crease before severe cramps forced him to retire hurt, understood exactly what Padikkal had endured.

“The conditions were really hot and it was challenging physically as well. So for him to get through that and firstly to get his first 100 is a special moment but to go on from there and get a big 100 and stitch partnerships with different players and get a big first innings total really set up this Test match,” the India player added.

Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten was equally impressed, describing Padikkal’s knock as one of the better Test innings he had seen.

“Dev Padikkal played one of the better Test match innings that I’ve seen. He didn’t play too aggressively, but just played within himself and just batted for a long period. And it was a good lesson for any Test match batsman on how to map out a big hundred,” Kirsten said.