Devdutt Padikkal staked a strong claim for the No. 3 batting position by scoring an unbeaten 142, guiding India to 357 for 6 by the close of the second day in their three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. The tourists now trail the hosts’ first-innings total of 363 for 8 by only six runs.
India’s response began poorly when Yashasvi Jaiswal was caught at backward point off Vishwa Fernando on the second ball of the innings. KL Rahul helped stabilize the situation, contributing 40 runs in a 96-run partnership with Padikkal before Keshara Nuwantha bowled him. Shubman Gill remained sidelined for the second consecutive day due to an impact injury on his right ring finger, though he was spotted on the dressing-room balcony without heavy strapping.
Padikkal found a steady partner in Ravindra Jadeja, with the pair adding 72 runs. Padikkal reached his century in 121 balls before retiring hurt on 103. Following his departure, Ramesh Mendis claimed the wickets of Rishabh Pant (2) and Dhruv Jurel (1), reducing India to 174 for 4. Jadeja and Manav Suthar then rebuilt the innings; Jadeja eventually retired hurt after a 117-ball 63, while Suthar contributed 41 off 90 balls before being dismissed lbw by Asanka Manoj.
The Indian team continued to rotate players, with Kuldeep Yadav retiring hurt and Saransh Jain departing after scoring 22. Padikkal returned to the crease to resume his innings, finishing the day unbeaten in the 140s. The session concluded on a high note as Gurnoor Brar smashed four sixes off the final over bowled by Dilum Sudeera, ending the day on 36 not out from 18 deliveries.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka Cricket XI 363/8 (declared); India 357/6 (Devdutt Padikkal 142*, Ravindra Jadeja 63, Manav Suthar 41; Asanka Manoj 2-32, Ramesh Mendis 2-77).
After SLC XI declared overnight on 363 for 8, India’s reply got off to the worst possible start when Yashasvi Jaiswal nicked Vishwa Fernando to backward point off the second ball of the innings.
KL Rahul and Padikkal, however, quickly settled the innings, adding 96 for the second wicket.
Rahul looked comfortable for his 40, hitting five fours and even a six, before Keshara Nuwantha breached his defence.
Amid uncertainty over Sai Sudharsan’s availability, Devdutt Padikkal made a compelling case for the No.
3, continued to anchor the innings and found an able partner in Jadeja, who came out to bat in the continued absence of Shubman Gill, who didn’t take the field for the second day in a row while recovering from an impact injury on his right ring finger during training.
