India batter Devdutt Padikkal produced an impressive century against Sri Lanka XI on Saturday, August 8, strengthening his case for a place in India’s playing XI ahead of the upcoming Test series. Padikkal scored 103 runs from 121 balls in the three-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo.
His century came at an important time for India, with the team preparing for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka and facing uncertainty around the No. 3 position after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the series because of a toe injury.
Padikkal Anchors India’s Innings
Padikkal walked in at No. 3 after India suffered early setbacks in their innings. He settled into the conditions and built a confident innings before reaching his century from 121 deliveries.
His knock included 14 boundaries, underlining his control and attacking intent during an important preparation game. After reaching 103, Padikkal retired out, allowing other members of India’s squad to get valuable batting practice.
Strong Statement Ahead of Test Series
The century has strengthened Padikkal’s claim for a place in India’s Test side.
His performance is particularly significant because India will begin the two-Test series against Sri Lanka with a reshaped batting combination. Sai Sudharsan’s injury has opened up an opportunity in the top order, and Padikkal has taken advantage of his chance in the warm-up fixture.
India Recover After Early Setbacks
India’s innings did not begin smoothly. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck, while KL Rahul also fell after making 40 runs.
Padikkal’s innings then provided stability and helped India recover from the early wickets. His ability to bat for a long period in Colombo conditions was one of the biggest positives for the Indian team on Day 2.
Sri Lanka XI Provides Useful Test Preparation
The warm-up fixture is India’s final major preparation opportunity before the Test series.
The match is being played over three days at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, with India using the game to assess batting combinations, bowling workloads and players’ readiness for the longer format.
Sai Sudharsan Injury Adds to Selection Pressure
Padikkal’s century comes just as India received confirmation that Sai Sudharsan will miss the upcoming Test series because of a toe injury.
The absence creates an opening in India’s top order, making Padikkal’s performance even more important from a selection perspective.
Shubman Gill Also Being Monitored
India captain Shubman Gill missed the opening day of the warm-up game after suffering an injury to his right ring finger during training.
Reports indicate that Gill is being monitored and remains on course to lead India in the first Test, which is scheduled to begin in Galle on August 15.
India Prepare for Two-Test Series
The warm-up game is part of India’s preparations for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
The first Test is scheduled for August 15 in Galle, followed by the second Test in Colombo from August 23. India will be looking to begin the series strongly as the team continues its preparations for the new Test campaign.
Looking Ahead
Padikkal’s century gives India’s team management another strong option for the top order. With Sudharsan unavailable and Gill being monitored, the performances in the warm-up match could have an important influence on India’s final combination.
For Padikkal, the 103-run knock is a timely opportunity to demonstrate that he can handle the demands of Test cricket and contribute consistently at the international level.
Source: Latest match reports and updates from the India–Sri Lanka warm-up match on August 8, 2026.
Original Report: Devdutt Padikkal scored 103 off 121 balls against Sri Lanka XI in India’s Colombo warm-up match, strengthening his claim for a place in the Test team.
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