IND vs SL 1st Test: Indian batter KL Rahul shared an emotional and heartwarming moment with batting partner Devdutt Padikkal on Day 4 of the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The incident occurred during the 11th over of India’s second innings when Rahul survived a close leg before wicket decision following a crucial intervention by Padikkal at the non-striker’s end. A dramatic Decision Review System referral overturned the on-field dismissal, prompting a relieved Rahul to celebrate by wrapping Padikkal in a huge bear hug.
Devdutt Padikkal Convinces Reluctant KL Rahul To Take DRS Review
The dramatic sequence unfolded on the final delivery of the 11th over bowled by Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. Jayasuriya produced an arm ball that drifted in with the angle, beat Rahul’s forward defensive prod, and crashed into his back pad. The on-field umpire raised his finger immediately following a passionate appeal from the Sri Lankan fielders.
Believing he was trapped plumb in front of the wickets, Rahul accepted the verdict and started walking back toward the dressing room. However, Padikkal rushed across the pitch and stopped his senior partner, urging him to opt for player review by pointing out that his big forward stride and the bounce could save him. Rahul listened to the advice and signaled for the DRS review just before the timer expired.
Ball Tracking Overturns Decision Sparking Viral Celebration In Galle
Replays confirmed that there was no inside edge involved and the point of impact was in line with the stumps. However, ball tracking technology displayed that the delivery was bouncing over the top of the bails due to the extra bounce off the Galle pitch. The third umpire instructed the on-field official to overturn the decision to not out, leaving the Sri Lankan players completely stunned.
