Devdutt Padikkal marked his return to the India team with a day-one century as the hosts dominated the opening exchanges of their first Test against Sri Lanka.

India reached stumps at 288-2 as Padikkal thumped an unbeaten 131 off 178 balls, bringing up his first century in cricket's longest format. 

Two rain breaks cut the day's action down to 73 overs, but India made good use of their limited time at the crease in Galle.

The tourists opted to bat after captain Shubman Gill won the toss, but after a solid start, a horrible mix-up cost them their first wicket.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32 in the 11th over, having stumbled and lost his balance after KL Rahul set off for a single. Niroshan Dickwella did the honours for Sri Lanka, though that wicket allowed Padikkal to step up as number three.

India reached the 53rd over and put 197 runs on the board before they suffered another loss, and this one was fitness-related as Rahul retired hurt following a steady 77 off 162. He had been struggling with a possible cramp in his arm and was clearly uncomfortable when he attempted to play on after tea.

Gill took Rahul's place but did not last long, falling for 16 after looping Prabath Jayasuriya's delivery straight to Lahiru Udara Igalagamage.

Padikkal's wicket evaded the hosts, though, displaying smart shot selection as he brought up his century in 134 balls.

India fared well versus Sri Lanka's struggling spinners late on, adding 48 more runs in the final 40 minutes to make the scoreboard look even more handsome, and Padikkal will resume alongside Rishabh Pant (27*) on day two.

Stumps on Day 1 in Galle! 

Fifty partnership up between Devdutt Padikkal & Rishabh Pant 

A fine opening day of the First #SLvIND Test for #TeamIndia as they reach 288/2 after 73 overs 

See you tomorrow for Day 2 action.

Scorecard  https://t.co/M9LVyCAp8y pic.twitter.com/kI0J3sQSZJ

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 15, 2026

Padikkal celebrates in style

Almost two years after he played his first two Test matches, Padikkal's return to the India squad was only made possible by a foot injury sustained by Sai Sudharsan.

But it is fair to say Padikkal took his chance to impress, doing so on a big day for India.

Padikkal is the first India player to ever score a century in international cricket on August 15, which is celebrated as an Independence Day holiday in the country.

He only gave Sri Lanka a couple of opportunities to take his wicket, being squared up twice by Keshara Nuwantha but escaping. It was a torrid day for Nuwantha overall, who gave up 98 runs without a wicket across his 21 overs with the ball in hand. 

Quick wickets will be a must for Sri Lanka on day two, particularly with the pitch predicted to become more difficult for batters as the Test progresses.