Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal slammed a century against Sri Lanka XI in the 3-day warm-up match. Padikkal got to his ton in 121 deliveries with the help of 14 fours before he retired out and Rishabh Pant took his place. The left hander did exactly what he needed to do on Day 2. He walked in at No. 3 after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s two-ball duck, played with control and intent, and walked off with a hundred that has almost sealed his spot in the Test side next week. India were already one down for next to nothing when Padikkal joined KL Rahul. The left-hander looked in good touch, driving hard through the covers and punished anything that was short. He reached his fifty off 61 balls.
Rahul was dismissed for 40 as India lost their second wicket with 96 on the board. He built a partnership with Jadeja to help the team rebuild. The team management retired him out soon after, when India were 168 for 2, so that Rishabh Pant and the others could get some time in the middle. The knock comes at the right time as Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the entire Sri Lanka Test series with a toe injury that still needs more healing time. Padikkal has only played two Tests so far in his career. This was an excellent knock after Sri Lanka XI had declared at 363 for 8 the previous day.
Sai Sudharsan ruled out of Sri Lanka Tests; India set to name replacement
Indian batter B Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka after failing to recover from a big toe injury sustained during the India A tour of the island nation last month. The left-hander who scored two tons in two India A matches, was injured during the second game against Sri Lanka 'A' and since then has been in rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
“Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Doctors have advised more time for biological healing. Significant improvement, but not yet sufficient for a safe return to Test cricket," according to the update from the Sports Science team which is monitoring the rehabilitation of the player.
The Sports Science team has informed the management and national selection committee. The medical cum fitness advice for Sudharsan reads: "Rehabilitation, strength & conditioning, and cricket-specific loads should be increased gradually and under close monitoring. The cautious approach is aimed at reducing the risk of recurrence or further complications and protecting long-term performance.”
India are expected to name his replacement in the coming days with Shaik Rasheed and Sarafraz Khan among the contenders. Devdutt Padikkal's terrific century has firmly cemented his place as the Number 3 for the upcoming Sri Lanka Test series. The first Test will start on August 15 at Galle.
