India’s batting woes at No. 3 are officially history.

Devdutt Padikkal smashed a brilliant unbeaten 131, ending a 20-Test century drought for the slot. Supported by KL Rahul’s gritty 77, India cruised to 288/2 before rain halted play.

Padikkal’s clinical precision dismantled Sri Lanka’s attack, shifting the momentum entirely. India is now firmly in control, dictating terms with pure, futuristic batting authority.