Devdutt Padikkal produced the biggest batting statement of India’s warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI, scoring an unbeaten 142 off 164 balls to strengthen his case for the No. 3 position ahead of the Test series. India ended the day at 357 for 8 after 90 overs, leaving them six runs behind the Sri Lanka Cricket XI’s first-innings total.
With Sai Sudharsan ruled out of the series due to injury, India had been left with a question mark over who would fill the crucial No.3 slot. Padikkal answered that question emphatically, striking 18 fours in a commanding knock that anchored India’s recovery on the second day in Colombo.
IND vs SL XI, Day 2 Highlights
PADIKKAL MAKES HIS CASE
Padikkal walked in early on Day 2 after Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck with just two balls played. The left-hander responded positively, settling into his innings before gradually taking control.
He shared a 96-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja and remained at the crease long after his teammates had moved on. His strokeplay through the off side was particularly effective as he mixed patience with a steady flow of boundaries.
The knock also came at an important time for the Karnataka batter. With Sudharsan unavailable, he has given the team management plenty to consider before the Test series.
RAHUL, JAISWAL FALL
India’s innings began poorly, with Jaiswal lasting just two balls before flashing at a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and edging it to backward point.
KL Rahul then steadied the innings and looked increasingly comfortable as he settled into his role. He brought up a half-century and appeared set for a substantial score before an ambitious slog against Kesara ended his stay.
With the ball turning slightly, Rahul went for the big shot and was beaten, leaving the delivery to crash into the stumps.
JADEJA IMPRESSES
Ravindra Jadeja provided another major positive with the bat.
Promoted to No. 4, he looked assured during his stay and reached his half-century before retiring himself out for 63 off 117 balls. His innings gave him valuable time in the middle after an underwhelming bowling spell on the opening day.
Dhruv Jurel could not make his opportunity count, falling for one, while Manav Suthar provided a useful contribution from the lower order with 45 off 90 balls.
Suthar’s innings was particularly valuable given his role as a bowling all-rounder, offering India another option with the bat as well as his left-arm spin.
GURNOOR’S LATE ASSAULT
India’s lower order then added an explosive finish.
Gurnoor Brar smashed an unbeaten 36 off just 18 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes. He saved his most aggressive display for the final over, hitting all sixes in the final over of the day’s play.
The first was a slog sweep over deep midwicket, followed by another six straight back over the bowler’s head before he stepped out and launched the final delivery inside-out over extra cover.
The burst helped India score 77 runs in the final 10 overs without losing a wicket and ensured they finished the day strongly.
GILL MISSES OUT AGAIN
Shubman Gill remained absent for a second successive day after missing the opening day following a blow to his right ring finger during practice.
KL Rahul continued to lead India in his absence, with the team management monitoring Gill’s fitness ahead of the Test series.
With another day of the warm-up still to come, India have already given several of their Test hopefuls valuable time in the middle ahead of the series.
– Ends
