Padikkal's 142 Puts Him in Pole Position for India's No. 3 Spot

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-08-10

Devdutt Padikkal has all but locked up the number 3 batting position for India's upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. The left-hander smashed an unbeaten 142 runs in a warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Ground in Colombo on Saturday, making a statement just days before the first Test begins. That innings couldn't have come at a better time. India's regular number 3, Sai Sudharsan, was ruled out of the opening Test with a stress fracture in his right big toe. That injury opened the door, and Padikkal walked right through it, helping India reach 357 for 8 against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI. The first Test gets underway in Galle on August 15. ### Padikkal Takes Control Early The 26-year-old came to the crease much earlier than expected after opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for a second-ball duck. But Padikkal didn't panic. He took control of the game immediately, punishing the bowlers with 18 boundaries off 164 deliveries. Padikkal brought up his century off just 121 balls. He then retired himself out to give other teammates a chance to bat, but returned to the crease later in the day after the eighth wicket fell. He finished with 142 runs, treating the crowd to elegant cover drives, powerful pull shots, and his signature 'Nataraja Shot' against the fast bowlers. ### Building Crucial Partnerships Cricket is a team game, and Padikkal showed he understands that. He shared a vital 96-run partnership with KL Rahul to steady the Indian innings. While Rahul played a cautious knock of 40, Padikkal played the aggressor's role, punishing anything short from both pace and spin bowlers. After Rahul's departure, Padikkal joined forces with veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The pair added 72 runs for the third wicket in just 98 balls. Jadeja contributed a gritty 63 before retiring out himself. That partnership helped India post a solid first-innings total of 363. ### Sudharsan's Injury Opens the Door Sai Sudharsan's misfortune is Padikkal's opportunity. Doctors confirmed Sudharsan has a stress fracture in his right big toe, ruling him out of the opening Test. He's unlikely to play in the second match either. This is a tough break for Sudharsan, who had been in excellent form with two centuries in unofficial matches against Sri Lanka A. The selectors have called up Sarfaraz Khan as a replacement. Sarfaraz has a good record against spin and recently scored a century against New Zealand. However, Padikkal's recent form makes him the frontrunner for the starting eleven. Head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly prefers a left-handed batter in the top order, which works squarely in Padikkal's favor. ### India's Growing Injury Concerns Sudharsan isn't the only Indian player dealing with fitness issues. The team is dealing with a growing list of absentees: - Jasprit Bumrah is resting and has been replaced by Aquib Nabi, with the BCCI medical team advising him to delay his return - Harshit Rana is sidelined with a hamstring injury - Nitish Kumar Reddy is recovering from a quadriceps injury - Shubman Gill missed the warm-up game due to a hand injury sustained during practice That's a lot of firepower sitting on the sidelines. These injuries have put pressure on the team management, but Padikkal's form provides a reliable solution for the batting line-up. His ability to anchor the innings while scoring quickly makes him an ideal fit for the number 3 role. ### What This Means for the Series Padikkal's performance in the warm-up match wasn't just about personal milestones. It was about showing the selectors he can handle the pressure of a Test series. The Sri Lanka tour is a challenging assignment, and having a confident, in-form batter at number 3 could make all the difference. If Padikkal gets the nod, India's top order will have a left-right combination that could trouble the Sri Lankan bowlers. His ability to rotate the strike and find the boundary at will makes him a dangerous proposition. The selectors have a big decision to make, but Padikkal has certainly made their job easier with this knock.