Devdutt Padikkal Passes India’s No. 3 Audition With Brilliant Unbeaten 142

Devdutt Padikkal delivered a timely statement ahead of India’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka, scoring an impressive unbeaten 142 in the three-day warm-up match in Colombo.

With Sai Sudharsan ruled out of the Test series because of injury, India’s No. 3 position has become a major selection question. Padikkal used the opportunity to make a strong case for a place in the playing XI for the first Test in Galle.

Padikkal responds after early India setback

India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal just three deliveries into their innings, leaving the visitors at 0/1. With the new ball moving and a Test spot potentially available, Padikkal showed patience rather than rushing into attacking strokes.

Batting alongside KL Rahul, the Karnataka left-hander initially focused on controlling the movement, rotating the strike and building a partnership. Rahul contributed 40 from 67 balls before being dismissed with India on 96/2.

Padikkal had already reached 52 from 61 deliveries by that stage and then shifted gears as the innings progressed.

Padikkal handles spin impressively

The conditions at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo provided a useful test against spin, with the surface beginning to show signs of wear on the second day.

Padikkal’s technique against spin stood out. His long stride allowed him to get close to the ball and reduce the impact of turn. He swept when the bowlers bowled short and drove effectively when they overpitched.

Ravindra Jadeja provided excellent support as the pair added 72 runs. Padikkal continued to find boundaries while maintaining control and avoiding unnecessary risks.

Devdutt Padikkal reaches century in style

Padikkal completed his century from 121 balls by pulling a delivery through midwicket for four. He had survived a caught-and-bowled opportunity on 99 against Ramesh Mendis before reaching the landmark.

Instead of ending his innings immediately after reaching three figures, Padikkal continued to build his score. He eventually remained unbeaten on 142 from 164 balls, helping India reach 357 for eight in 90 overs.

His innings included a combination of patience, controlled aggression and effective strokeplay, making it more than just a typical warm-up hundred.

Padikkal’s domestic form strengthens his case

The century comes at an important stage of Padikkal’s career. After making an impressive Test debut against England in Dharamsala in 2024, he has played only one more Test, against Australia in Perth later that year.

His chances of returning to the Test side have also been boosted by his domestic performances. Padikkal scored 543 runs in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season at an average of 60.33, including a career-best 232 against Uttarakhand.

With Sudharsan unavailable, Padikkal offers India another left-handed option who is comfortable against spin and capable of managing different phases of an innings.

Can Padikkal solve India’s No. 3 problem?

A warm-up match cannot replicate the pressure of a Test, and the Sri Lanka Cricket XI attack is not the same as Sri Lanka’s Test bowling unit. However, Padikkal’s performance provided the type of evidence India would have wanted from him.

He walked in at 0/1, absorbed the early pressure, built a partnership, increased the scoring rate against spin and continued his innings after returning to the crease following the fall of wickets.

If the Galle Test becomes a battle of patience and technique against spin, Padikkal’s method could prove valuable for India.

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka Cricket XI: 363/8 declared

India: 357/6

KL Rahul: 40

Devdutt Padikkal: 142*

Ravindra Jadeja: 63

Manav Suthar: 41

Ramesh Mendis: 2/77

A Manoj: 2/32

Padikkal’s unbeaten 142 has therefore given India’s team management plenty to consider before the first Test in Galle, with the Karnataka batter emerging as one of the strongest candidates to replace Sai Sudharsan at No. 3.