Devdutt Padikkal scored 117 off 193 balls for his second straight Test hundred in Colombo
Surviving two early drops, he took forward the innings with disciplined defense and crisp sweep
He starred through the post-tea session before being bowled by Keshara Nuwantha
IND Vs SL: Devdutt Padikkal Mirrors This Legend’s Historic Away Milestone With Back-To-Back Tons
Devdutt Padikkal is aggressively making the crucial number three spot his own by following up his stellar 167 in Galle with another masterclass in Colombo. These back-to-back centuries on foreign soil highlight his remarkable transition into a reliable backbone for India's batting lineup
Summary
Devdutt Padikkal continued his golden run in Test cricket, notching up a magnificent second consecutive Test century on Day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) ground in Colombo.
Reaching the milestone with a gentle single down to long-on off spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, the left-hander removed his helmet to soak in a warm, well-deserved ovation from the Indian dressing room. It was an innings defined by immense character, mental fortitude, and a touch of fortune.
Padikkal had to weather an early storm after being dropped twice during the nervy opening stages of his knock when he was on nought and one. However, the talented batter made the hosts pay dearly for those lapses, building seamlessly upon his previous stellar Test century of 167 in Galle.
Throughout his stay at the crease, Padikkal demonstrated a masterclass in patience and calculated method. Walking in early, he shared vital partnerships to steady the innings, blending watchful, disciplined defense against probing seamers with crisp square cuts and deft sweeps against the slow turning ball.
Even as wickets flickered around him—including Rishabh Pant having to walk off retired hurt after taking a blow to the wrist—Padikkal kept his composure. He anchored the innings brilliantly through the post-tea session, steering India past crucial milestones before eventually being bowled by Keshara Nuwantha for a brilliant 117 off 193 balls.
Devdutt Padikkal - Stats
With this back-to-back century performance on foreign soil, Padikkal has entered rare statistical company for India's traditional batting anchor role. The last instance of an India No. 3 registering hundreds in back-to-back away Tests had come during the famous Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2018/19, when the resolute Cheteshwar Pujara recorded 106 at the MCG followed by his monumental 193 at the SCG. By mirroring that historic consistency, Padikkal has successfully cemented his reputation as the new pillar of India's middle order.
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