Devdutt Padikkal has made a strong case for the Number 3 position in India’s Test batting order. He scored his second consecutive century in Colombo on Sunday, following his 167 in Galle. He became the first India No. 3 since Cheteshwar Pujara in 2018-19 to score hundreds in consecutive away Tests.
Padikkal scored 117 on the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka. He was dropped on 0 and 1 but went on to build a solid innings. His hundred came across three partnerships. The most important ones were 120 with Shubman Gill and 74 with Ravindra Jadeja. India reached 300 for 5 at the close of play.
Sri Lanka struck early. KL Rahul fell for 18 after looking settled. Yashasvi Jaiswal batted positively and reached 45 with nine fours. But he fell to Asitha Fernando after a heated exchange between the two. The India opener appeared to headbutt Fernando during the argument before the Sri Lankan captain intervened.
Padikkal handled the spinners with confidence. He was not bothered by the uneven bounce or the negative tactics of bowling outside leg stump. His technique off the back foot was a treat to watch.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Padikkal’s intent, temperament, and strike rate. He said Padikkal had been waiting for his turn for the last year and a half and it was good to see him make the most of his opportunity.
Padikkal’s biggest test will come in the two-Test series in New Zealand. How he handles swing and pace there could decide his future in the team.
Devdutt Padikkal Hits Second Straight Test Century Against Sri Lanka
Devdutt Padikkal scored a brilliant 117 on the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. His innings helped India reach 300 for 5 at stumps. This was his second consecutive century in as many Tests.
Padikkal’s innings came under difficult circumstances. He was dropped on 0 and 1 but remained solid after those reprieves. He built a 120-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill, who scored 50. He also added 74 runs with Ravindra Jadeja.
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 45 but fell to Asitha Fernando after a heated exchange between the two. Jaiswal appeared to headbutt Fernando during the argument before the Sri Lankan captain intervened. Rishabh Pant retired hurt after taking a blow on his forearm from Lahiru Kumara. He was on 3 at the time.
The SSC pitch offered enough bounce and bite, especially for the pacers. Padikkal handled the spinners with confidence and was not bothered by the uneven bounce. He reached his fifty off 90 balls. He eventually fell to Keshara Nuwantha, but by then he had taken India to a strong position.
KL Rahul scored 18 before falling to Lahiru Kumara. Dhruv Jurel and debutant Saransh Jain were batting at the close of play.
Irfan Pathan Praises Devdutt Padikkal After Second Test Century
Devdutt Padikkal continued his impressive run of form by scoring his second Test century against Sri Lanka in Colombo. He made 117 off 193 balls as India finished the opening day of the second Test at 300 for 5.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised Padikkal. He said Padikkal is giving a much-needed boost to the Number 3 spot for India in Test cricket. He added that Padikkal is pleasing to the eye when he bats.
Padikkal overcame an early scare after two difficult catches were dropped soon after he arrived at the crease. He then settled down and played a patient innings, spending nearly five hours at the crease and hitting 12 boundaries. He added 120 runs for the third wicket with captain Shubman Gill and another 74 with Ravindra Jadeja. Gill scored 50 before being caught behind, while Jadeja made 43 before being bowled by Asitha Fernando.
Padikkal was eventually dismissed by off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, but his innings helped India recover strongly after losing Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul early. Jaiswal made 45, while Rahul scored 18.
India lost Rishabh Pant after he was hit on the forearm while attempting a pull shot and was forced to retire hurt. Fernando was Sri Lanka’s best bowler with three wickets for 46 runs.
India, who won the first Test in Galle by 165 runs, are looking to seal the two-match series. Sri Lanka made changes to their squad, with Pasindu Sooriyabandara retaining his place and Kamil Mishara making his Test debut. India also handed a debut to spin-bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain, who replaced Kuldeep Yadav.
FAQs
Q. How many runs did Devdutt Padikkal score?
A. Padikkal scored 117 runs in Colombo.
Q. Which batting position is Padikkal targeting?
A. Padikkal is making a strong case for India’s No. 3 spot.
Q. Who did Padikkal build partnerships with?
A. Padikkal added 120 runs with Shubman Gill and 74 with Jadeja.
Q. How many boundaries did Padikkal hit?
A. Padikkal hit 12 boundaries during his 117-run innings.
Q. Who dismissed Padikkal?
A. Keshara Nuwantha dismissed him in Colombo.
Q. What happened to Rishabh Pant?
A. Pant retired hurt after being hit on his forearm.
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