Indian batsman Devdutt Padikkal presented a compelling argument for his inclusion in the Test playing eleven by scoring a brilliant century on Day 2 of the ongoing three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI in Colombo. Coming out to bat at the crucial number 3 position, the stylish left-hander anchored the innings impressively, reaching his hundred off 121 deliveries with the help of 14 boundaries. Immediately after completing his milestone, Padikkal opted to retire out to allow other top-order batsmen time at the crease. Following his departure, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant stepped in but had a brief stay, managing just 2 runs off 5 balls before being dismissed.
Crucial Partnerships and Dominant Strokeplay
India faced an early setback on the second day when opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck without opening his account. Joining the action under pressure, Padikkal stabilized the innings alongside KL Rahul. The duo forged a strong 96-run stand for the second wicket, with Rahul contributing a composed 40 runs in the first innings before losing his wicket. Following Rahul's exit, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja walked in at number 4, and Padikkal continued his dominant run alongside him. Throughout his stay at the crease, Padikkal kept the Sri Lanka XI bowling attack under relentless pressure with clean ball-striking and defensive solidity.
Strong Claim for the Number 3 Test Spot
Padikkal's international credentials currently stand at 2 Tests and 2 T20Is for India. He earned his Test debut in 2024 against England at Dharamshala, but limited opportunities followed. Across his 2 Test appearances, he has scored 90 runs in 3 innings at an average of 30, including a fine half-century. With regular options being monitored, should Sai Sudharsan fail to attain full fitness ahead of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, Padikkal's authoritative century in Colombo positions him as the prime candidate to slot into the number 3 batting position.
Shubman Gill's Injury and Batting Lineup Reshuffle
The warm-up encounter also featured notable adjustments in team leadership and batting order. Regular Test captain Shubman Gill, who typically bats at number 4 in the traditional format, did not feature at his usual spot; instead, Ravindra Jadeja was promoted to bat at number 4. Gill suffered an injury during a practice session a day prior to the start of the match, forcing him to sit out of captaincy duties for this fixture. As the innings progresses, attention remains on whether Gill will recover sufficiently to take the field and bat later in the match.
