<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>3. Backing Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3</h3>
<p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/devdutt-padikkal/"><strong>Devdutt Padikkal</strong></a> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
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<h3>2. Using Manav Suthar as the primary spinner</h3>
<p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/manav-suthar/"><strong>Manav Suthar</strong></a> was handed the role of primary spinner and was given long spells to find his rhythm. The 24-year-old, playing only his second Test match, responded with a 10-wicket match haul. He took 4/76 in the first innings and followed that with 6/55 in the second innings.</p>
<p>Suthar's second-innings spell was particularly decisive. After dismissing Dinusha in the 76th over, he took four wickets in 10 balls to seal the match. He showed the ability to turn the ball as well as push it through straight, and his performance in the second innings was pivotal in dismantling the Sri Lankan batting lineup. His combination with fellow left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was too hot to handle for the hosts.</p>
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<h3>1. Accelerating in the second innings to beat the weather</h3>
<p>India batted with positive intent in the second innings, stretching their lead to a total that proved well beyond Sri Lanka's reach. Rishabh Pant played a key role in that acceleration, scoring 66 off 69 balls with eight fours and two sixes, ensuring India batted the hosts out of the Test.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/sl-vs-ind-1st-test-3-problems-exposed-despite-indias-win/"><strong>SL vs IND 1st Test: 3 problems exposed despite India's win</strong></a></p>
<p>The proactive approach in the second innings proved crucial as heavy rain arrived on Day 5 shortly after the match concluded. India's decision to push the scoring rate meant the result was secured before the weather could intervene. The 165-run win gave India a 1-0 lead in the series, and they will look to carry this momentum into the second Test in Colombo.</p>

<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>3. Backing Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3</h3>
<p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/devdutt-padikkal/"><strong>Devdutt Padikkal</strong></a> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p></p>
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<h3>2. Using Manav Suthar as the primary spinner</h3>
<p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/manav-suthar/"><strong>Manav Suthar</strong></a> was handed the role of primary spinner and was given long spells to find his rhythm. The 24-year-old, playing only his second Test match, responded with a 10-wicket match haul. He took 4/76 in the first innings and followed that with 6/55 in the second innings.</p>
<p>Suthar's second-innings spell was particularly decisive. After dismissing Dinusha in the 76th over, he took four wickets in 10 balls to seal the match. He showed the ability to turn the ball as well as push it through straight, and his performance in the second innings was pivotal in dismantling the Sri Lankan batting lineup. His combination with fellow left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was too hot to handle for the hosts.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="ct-page-break" data-ct-page-break="true" style="break-after: page;"><span style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span></div>
<h3>1. Accelerating in the second innings to beat the weather</h3>
<p>India batted with positive intent in the second innings, stretching their lead to a total that proved well beyond Sri Lanka's reach. Rishabh Pant played a key role in that acceleration, scoring 66 off 69 balls with eight fours and two sixes, ensuring India batted the hosts out of the Test.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/sl-vs-ind-1st-test-3-problems-exposed-despite-indias-win/"><strong>SL vs IND 1st Test: 3 problems exposed despite India's win</strong></a></p>
<p>The proactive approach in the second innings proved crucial as heavy rain arrived on Day 5 shortly after the match concluded. India's decision to push the scoring rate meant the result was secured before the weather could intervene. The 165-run win gave India a 1-0 lead in the series, and they will look to carry this momentum into the second Test in Colombo.</p>

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

3 things India did right in the Galle Test

From a bold selection call to smart batting in the second innings, India ticked several boxes in their series opener.

3 things India did right in Galle Test vs Sri Lanka

Find out 3 things India did right in the SL vs IND 1st Test, including key decisions & performances that helped them secure a win in Galle, only on CricTracker