Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Devdutt Padikkal strengthens India’s No. 3 claim with century
Devdutt Padikkal scored 117 runs for India in a Test match in Colombo.
It was his second century in a row after he scored 167 in the previous Test in Galle.
His batting helped India finish the first day on 300 runs for five wickets.
Padikkal had to be patient because Sri Lanka’s bowlers made the ball bounce and turn.
He shared a big partnership of 120 runs with Shubman Gill.
Gill also scored 50 runs before he was caught behind.
Rishabh Pant left the batting because he was hurt on his forearm.
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 45, then argued with bowler Asitha Fernando after being dismissed.
Padikkal’s two centuries have strengthened his case to bat at No.
3 for India, although Sai Sudharsan remains a competitor.
Devdutt Padikkal scored 117 off 193 balls in Colombo, following his 167 in Galle.
His second consecutive Test century helped India reach 300/5 on Day 1 after winning the toss and batting.
Padikkal shared a 120-run partnership with Shubman Gill and a 74-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja.
Gill made 50 before edging Asitha Fernando, while Jadeja was later bowled by the same bowler.
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 45 before a heated exchange with Fernando, and Rishabh Pant retired hurt after being struck on his left forearm.
- Who
- Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Sri Lanka’s bowlers were central to the day’s play.
- What
- Padikkal scored 117 and Gill made 50 as India reached 300/5 on Day 1 of the second Test.
- When
- Day 1 of the second Test, reported as Sunday, August 23, 2026.
- Where
- Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- Why
- Padikkal’s century strengthened his claim to India’s No. 3 batting position and helped stabilize India’s innings.
Padikkal’s case for No. 3
Competition for the position
India’s next No. 3 batter
Padikkal’s case for No. 3
Padikkal has scored centuries in consecutive away Tests, including 167 in Galle and 117 in Colombo, strengthening his claim to make the position his own.
Competition for the position
Sai Sudharsan remains in contention, and the article says it would be unfair to shut the door on him despite Padikkal’s recent scores.
Future selection test
Padikkal’s case for No. 3
Padikkal’s recent performances suggest he has adapted well after an uncertain start and can build an innings under difficult conditions.
Competition for the position
His future may depend on how he handles the swing and pace expected in India’s two-Test series in New Zealand.
- Padikkal’s score
- 117 runs off 193 balls
- India’s score
- 300/5 at the close of Day 1
- Padikkal’s previous Test score
- 167 in Galle
- Gill’s score
- 50 runs off 99 balls
- Padikkal-Gill partnership
- 120 runs
- Jaiswal’s score
- 45 runs off 53 balls, including nine boundaries
- Pant’s injury
- Retired hurt on 3 after being hit on his left forearm
