Devdutt Padikkal's strategy for mastering spin bowling: a journey of focused movement and clarity.

Devdutt Padikkal's remarkable innings of 131 runs off 178 balls against Sri Lanka on Saturday marked not only his first Test century but also a significant comeback for the 26-year-old cricketer, who had been absent from the Indian team for 632 days. This performance adds another chapter to Padikkal's career, which has been characterized by resilience and determination.

Padikkal's journey has seen its share of ups and downs. After a disappointing showing in the 2023-24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he managed only 119 runs across five matches, he rebounded impressively in subsequent tournaments. He amassed 465 runs at an average of 155 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and followed that with a stellar performance in the Ranji Trophy, scoring 556 runs at an average of 92.66, including three centuries. His recent form has been particularly noteworthy, as he was appointed captain of Karnataka in January and went on to score 543 runs at an average of 60.33 in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, featuring two centuries. Additionally, his experience gained from winning back-to-back IPL titles with Royal Challengers Bangalore has further honed his skills, including valuable insights from working alongside Virat Kohli.

Returning to Test cricket for the first time since November 2024, Padikkal made history by becoming the first Indian batter to score a Test century on Independence Day. His innings ended a long wait of 19 Tests and 35 innings for a century at the No. 3 position. After starting confidently with an unbeaten century in the warm-up match, he quickly found his rhythm, hitting debutant off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha for a boundary and then launching Prabhat Jayasuriya for a six over long-on. His adeptness at using the crease and playing off the back foot was particularly effective on the slow Galle pitch.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised Padikkal as a “godsend for India” against spin, highlighting his defensive skills, ability to rotate the strike, and attacking shots as key attributes for success on turning tracks. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak commended Padikkal's preparation, noting that he had focused on enhancing his back-foot game and sweep shots at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. “I am so happy for him because he was actually waiting for his chance. The way he played here and in the warm-up match, it’s really encouraging,” Kotak remarked. Padikkal's century has solidified his position as a strong candidate for the No. 3 spot, even with Sai Sudharsan's impending return from injury. Manjrekar believes that Padikkal's proficiency against spin makes him an ideal choice for the role in spin-friendly conditions.