Padikkal had to shoulder the responsibility after India suffered several setbacks. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill both looked set for substantial scores after combining for a 120-run third-wicket stand, but fell for 45 and 50 respectively. Rishabh Pant then retired hurt on three after being struck on the forearm by Lahiru Kumara, leaving India without one of their key batters.
Despite being dropped on zero and one, Padikkal remained composed. He reached his fifty from 90 balls and patiently dealt with Sri Lanka’s pacers, often leaving or deflecting short deliveries while using a compact defence against the spinners. He eventually reached his century by driving Prabath Jayasuriya for four before nudging him for a single.
Padikkal was eventually bowled by Keshara Nuwantha, but only after steering India towards a respectable total. He shared a 74-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, who was later dismissed by Fernando after being struck on the forearm by Kumara and developing visible swelling.
Earlier, Kumara had dismissed KL Rahul, while Fernando’s dismissal of Jaiswal triggered a heated exchange after the pacer’s send-off. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva intervened to calm the situation. Dhruv Jurel and debutant Saransh Jain were unbeaten at stumps.