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

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-08-10

Devdutt Padikkal has made a powerful statement just days before India's Test series against Sri Lanka gets underway. The left-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 142 runs in a warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Ground in Colombo, putting himself firmly in contention for the crucial number 3 position. That spot opened up unexpectedly when Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the opening Test with a stress fracture in his right big toe. With Sudharsan sidelined, Padikkal seized his opportunity and helped India post a solid 357 for 8 against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI. The first Test begins in Galle on August 15, and all signs now point to Padikkal walking out at first drop. ### A Knock That Demanded Attention The 26-year-old had to walk to the crease earlier than he would have liked after opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for a second-ball duck. But instead of playing cautiously, Padikkal took the attack to the bowlers from the outset. He struck 18 boundaries off 164 deliveries, looking completely in control against both pace and spin. His century came off just 121 balls, and he celebrated by retiring himself out to give other batters time in the middle. But the story didn't end there. After the fall of the eighth wicket, Padikkal returned to the crease and added more runs to finish on 142. The innings was a masterclass in stroke play, featuring elegant cover drives, powerful pull shots, and that signature 'Nataraja Shot' he loves to unleash against fast bowlers. ### Building Crucial Partnerships What made this knock even more valuable was the partnerships Padikkal built along the way. He shared a 96-run stand with KL Rahul, who played the anchor role with a careful 40 while Padikkal did the heavy lifting. After Rahul departed, Padikkal teamed up with veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and together they added 72 runs for the third wicket in just 98 balls. Jadeja chipped in with a gritty 63 before retiring himself out, and that partnership ensured India reached a respectable first-innings total of 363. It was exactly the kind of resilience the team management would have wanted to see ahead of a Test series where conditions in Galle can be tricky. ### The Injury That Changed Everything Sai Sudharsan's absence is a significant blow for India. The young batter had been in outstanding form, scoring two centuries in unofficial matches against Sri Lanka A. But doctors have confirmed a stress fracture in his right big toe, and he's been advised to let it heal naturally. He'll miss the opening Test and is unlikely to feature in the second match either. The selectors have called up Sarfaraz Khan as a replacement, and he brings a strong record against spin bowling along with a recent century against New Zealand. But Padikkal's warm-up heroics make him the clear frontrunner for the starting eleven. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is reportedly keen on having a left-handed presence in the top order, which only strengthens Padikkal's case. ### A Growing Injury List Sudharsan isn't the only Indian player dealing with fitness concerns. The team is navigating a tricky period with several key names unavailable: - Jasprit Bumrah is resting after the BCCI medical team advised him to delay his return, with Aquib Nabi called up as cover - Harshit Rana is sidelined with a hamstring injury - Nitish Kumar Reddy is recovering from a quadriceps issue - Shubman Gill missed the warm-up game due to a hand injury sustained during practice These setbacks have put pressure on the team management, but Padikkal's form offers a reliable solution. His ability to adapt quickly and dominate from the start gives India a solid foundation in the top order, exactly what they need in a series where every run matters. ### What This Means for the Series The warm-up match may have been a practice game, but Padikkal treated it like a proper Test innings. His patience early on, followed by aggressive stroke play once set, is precisely the template India needs against Sri Lanka's spinners. With the first Test just days away, Padikkal has done everything possible to make the number 3 spot his own. Now it's up to the selectors to make the call.