Colombo, August 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Devdutt Padikkal strengthened his case for a place in India’s playing XI for the opening Test against Sri Lanka with a commanding unbeaten 142 on the second day of the warm-up game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Ground on Saturday.
With Sai Sudharsan ruled out of the first Test due to a right big toe injury and remaining a doubt for the second, Padikkal made the most of his opportunity, striking 18 boundaries in his 164-ball innings as India reached 357/6 in 90 overs, just six runs short of Sri Lanka Cricket XI’s declared 363/8.
Padikkal walked in during the opening over after Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a two-ball duck, edging a wide delivery from left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando to gully. The left-hander responded with a composed yet aggressive innings, combining solid technique with fluent drives and cuts.
He shared a crucial 96-run partnership with KL Rahul, who scored 40 while patiently waiting for scoring opportunities. Rahul was eventually dismissed by off-spinner Kesara Nuwantha while attempting a slog-sweep after a rain interruption.
Padikkal continued to dominate as India crossed 150 before he reached his century. He later retired out at 103 to give his teammates time in the middle, but returned to the crease later and remained unbeaten at 142.
Ravindra Jadeja contributed a brisk 63, while Manav Suthar scored 41. The pair added 76 runs before Jadeja retired out after completing his half-century. Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel were among the other batters dismissed, while Kuldeep Yadav also retired out.
Mohammed Siraj fell to a caught-and-bowled dismissal, and Saransh Jain retired out after making 22 off 45 balls.
Gurnoor Brar provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 36 off just 18 deliveries, including two fours and four sixes. He hit Ramesh Mendis over long-off before launching Dilum Sudeera for four sixes to give India a strong finish.
For Sri Lanka Cricket XI, Ramesh Mendis and Asanka Manoj claimed two wickets each, while Ravindu Rasantha top-scored with 71 and Nishan Madushka made 66.
With Sudharsan unavailable, Padikkal’s timely century has given India head coach Gautam Gambhir a strong option for the No. 3 position ahead of the Test series opener in Galle on August 15.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka Cricket XI 363/8 declared in 90 overs (Ravindu Rasantha 71, Nishan Madushka 66; Manav Suthar 2-33, Ravindra Jadeja 2-64) lead India 357/6 in 90 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 142 not out, Ravindra Jadeja 63; Asanka Manoj 2-32, Ramesh Mendis 2-77) by six runs.
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