Devdutt Padikkal strengthened his claim for the No. 3 batting position by scoring an unbeaten 142 on the second day of the three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. India concluded the day at 357 for 6, trailing the hosts’ overnight declared total of 363 for 8 by only six runs.
India’s response began poorly when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed by Vishwa Fernando for a duck on the second ball of the innings. KL Rahul helped stabilize the situation alongside Padikkal, contributing 40 runs—including five fours and a six—before Keshara Nuwantha bowled him. Shubman Gill remained sidelined for the second consecutive day due to a right ring finger injury sustained during training, though he was spotted on the balcony without heavy strapping.
Padikkal anchored the middle order, forming a 72-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. The 26-year-old 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 on 63 from 117 balls, while Suthar contributed 41 off 90 deliveries before being trapped lbw by Asanka Manoj.
The Indian team utilized a rotating batting lineup in the final stages, with Kuldeep Yadav retiring hurt and Saransh Jain adding 22 runs. Padikkal returned to the crease after his earlier break to push his score into the 140s. The day concluded with a flourish as Gurnoor Brar struck four consecutive sixes against Dilum Sudeera in the final over, finishing on 36 not out from 18 balls to shift the momentum toward India.
Brief Scores: SLC 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.
That briefly opened the door for the hosts.
India continued to rotate batters thereafter, with Kuldeep Yadav retiring hurt after a 15-ball stay and Saransh Jain also making way after contributing 22.
