Galle: Devdutt Padikkal’s quick thinking and sharp peripheral vision came to KL Rahul's rescue on Day 4 of the opening Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. In a dramatic turn of events, Padikkal’s alertness overturned an on-field dismissal, preserving a vital second-innings partnership and keeping India’s momentum intact.

Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya appeared to have trapped Rahul in front with a delivery that drifted in with the angle, beating the inside edge before striking him on the pads. The on-field umpire raised his finger, and a resigned Rahul accepted the decision, turning around to begin his walk back towards the pavilion.

Convinced that the ball was hitting the stumps, Rahul showed no initial inclination to challenge the verdict. However, his non-striker partner Padikkal spotted significant bounce and immediately intervened. Padikkal rushed over and urged a hesitant Rahul to signal for a Decision Review System (DRS) referral before the 15-second timer expired.

The referral yielded a sensational reprieve. Replays verified that while there was no bat involved and the ball struck Rahul in line with the stumps, ball-tracking technology confirmed the delivery was bouncing over the top of the bails. The on-field call was officially overturned, leaving Sri Lanka’s fielders stunned and handing Rahul a crucial second chance.

Upon realising he had been saved by his partner's keen eye, a relieved Rahul walked over and embraced Padikkal with a warm hug on the pitch, thanking him for the timely advice. India extended their lead to 298 runs at lunch on a wearing Galle surface.