Padikkal's unbeaten 142 strengthens case for No. 3 slot in India warm-up
Synopsis
Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 142 in Colombo is more than a warm-up knock — with Sai Sudharsan sidelined by injury, it may have just locked down India's number three slot for the Galle Test on 15 August. Head coach Gautam Gambhir now has a compelling, in-form answer to a critical vacancy.
Key Takeaways
Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 142 off 164 balls (18 fours) in the warm-up against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo on 8 August .
B Sai Sudharsan is ruled out of the first Test and a major doubt for the second due to a right big toe injury , opening the door for Padikkal at number three .
Ravindra Jadeja contributed 63 and Manav Suthar made 41 ; Gurnoor Brar smashed 36 not out off 18 balls with four sixes.
India ended Day 2 on 357/6 , just six runs behind Sri Lanka XI's declared total of 363/8 .
The first Test begins on 15 August in Galle .
Devdutt Padikkal made a compelling case for a berth in India's Test XI with a commanding unbeaten 142 on Day 2 of the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Ground in Colombo on 8 August. The left-handed batter occupied the crease for 164 balls, stroking 18 boundaries in an innings that could well seal his spot at number three ahead of the first Test.
Why Padikkal's Knock Matters
The opportunity arose directly from misfortune elsewhere in the squad. Regular top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the opening Test and remains a major doubt for the second Test due to a right big toe injury. With that slot vacant, Padikkal's rich vein of form hands head coach Gautam Gambhir a ready-made, like-for-like option to fill the number three position.
How the Day Unfolded
India suffered an early blow when Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for a two-ball duck in the very first over, pushing at a wide delivery from left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando and offering a catch at gully. Padikkal walked in under pressure but swiftly turned the tide. He anchored a vital 96-run partnership with KL Rahul, who contributed 40 before falling to off-spinner Kesara Nuwantha while attempting a slog-sweep after a brief rain interruption.
Padikkal reached his century and then retired out at 103 to give other batters time in the middle — a selfless act in a warm-up context. India wobbled briefly: Rishabh Pant perished going for a big shot off Mendis, and Dhruv Jurel was caught behind. But the innings regained shape through a 76-run stand between Ravindra Jadeja (63) and Manav Suthar (41), the latter impressing with his forward-defence technique against spin.
Gurnoor Brar's Finishing Flourish
After Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav retired out, and Suthar was trapped lbw, Gurnoor Brar provided the fireworks. The pacer smashed 36 not out off just 18 balls, including two fours and four sixes — most notably dispatching Dilum Sudeera for four successive sixes. Padikkal, who had returned to the crease after others batted, continued to find the boundary at will.
Scorecard Snapshot and Series Context
India closed Day 2 on 357/6 in 90 overs, just six runs behind Sri Lanka Cricket XI's declared total of 363/8. For Sri Lanka XI, Ravindu Rasantha (71) and Nishan Madushka (66) had been the standout contributors; Asanka Manoj and Ramesh Mendis each claimed two wickets for India's innings. The first Test of the series begins on 15 August in Galle, and Padikkal's performance has set up a confident selection conversation for the touring management.
Point of View
But it has given Padikkal a rare, uncluttered audition at a position that has been India's most contested slot in Tests for two years. What stands out is not just the runs but the method: he absorbed early pressure after Jaiswal's duck, built a partnership, reached his century, retired to allow others a hit, and then came back to bat again. That is exactly the temperament a number three requires. The question for Gambhir is whether one warm-up hundred is enough evidence, or whether Padikkal's domestic record — already substantial — was always sufficient.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many runs did Devdutt Padikkal score in the India warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI?
Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 142 off 164 balls, hitting 18 boundaries, on Day 2 of the warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Ground in Colombo on 8 August. He retired out at 103 to give other batters time in the middle, then returned to continue his innings.
Why is Padikkal being considered for India's number three Test spot?
Regular top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the first Test and is a major doubt for the second due to a right big toe injury. Padikkal's fluent warm-up century has given head coach Gautam Gambhir a strong in-form option to fill the vacant number three position.
What was India's score at the end of Day 2 in the warm-up match?
India ended Day 2 on 357/6 in 90 overs, just six runs behind Sri Lanka Cricket XI's declared total of 363/8. Gurnoor Brar's unbeaten 36 off 18 balls helped India close the gap significantly.
When does the India vs Sri Lanka Test series begin?
The first Test between India and Sri Lanka begins on 15 August in Galle. The warm-up match in Colombo on 7-8 August served as India's final preparation before the series opener.
Which other India batters performed well in the warm-up?
Ravindra Jadeja hit a composed 63 and shared a 76-run stand with Manav Suthar (41), who impressed with his forward-defence technique against spin. Gurnoor Brar provided late fireworks with 36 not out off just 18 balls, including four sixes off Dilum Sudeera.
