The Indian cricket team has arrived in Sri Lanka and is actively preparing for their upcoming series under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. Amidst the ongoing preparations, all eyes will be on two specific players during the tour, namely Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Paddikal. Although both players have secured their places in the squad, team combination dynamics suggest that only one of them will likely make it into the starting playing eleven. Consequently, examining how both batters have performed in Test cricket so far becomes essential for understanding the team selection.
Sai Sudharsan Test Record
Beginning with Sai Sudharsan, he has enjoyed relatively more playing opportunities in the longer format. Sai has featured in a total of 7 Test matches for India so far, accumulating 383 runs across 12 innings. His record includes three half-centuries, though a maiden Test century still eludes him. He maintains a batting average of 31.91 in Tests and scores his runs at a strike rate of 43.32.
Devdutt Paddikal Test Performance
Turning attention toward Devdutt Paddikal, the left-hander has represented the senior Indian team in only two Test matches to date. Across three innings, he has managed to score 90 runs, which includes a single half-century. Devdutt holds a batting average of 30 and scores at an average rate of 45.68. Nevertheless, critics note that he has not yet received as many opportunities as his talent might warrant.
Warm-Up Match Schedule in Sri Lanka
With both players currently part of the squad in Sri Lanka, the final team composition means only one of them will take the field in the opening Test. It remains to be seen whom captain Shubman Gill decides to back. The India versus Sri Lanka Test series officially commences on 15 August, but prior to that, the team will participate in a practice fixture. The warm-up game is scheduled from 7 August to 9 August. Although the fixture was originally planned as a four-day affair, the schedule was subsequently revised to a 3-day match. Observers expect that this three-day practice match will provide a clear indication of India's likely playing XI for the first Test.
