3 things India did right in Galle Test vs Sri Lanka

India began their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka with a commanding 165-run victory at the Galle International Stadium on August 19, 2026. The win earned them 12 World Test Championship points, taking their PCT from 48.15% to 53.33%, and also marked India's 600th Test match win.

The result was built on several sound decisions by the team management. Three in particular stood out across the five days of play at Galle.

Devdutt Padikkal had not played a Test match for India for approximately two years before this series. With Sai Sudharsan unavailable due to injury, the team management handed Padikkal the crucial No. 3 spot in the batting order. It was a bold call given the circumstances, but Padikkal responded in emphatic fashion.

The Galle Test was only Padikkal's third Test appearance. He scored 167 in the first innings, his maiden Test hundred, helping India post 462 in their first innings total. In the second innings, he contributed 44 off 75 balls, which included six fours, and was one of only three notable contributions as India were bowled out for 193. The team management's faith in him was fully justified across both innings.