Padikkal scores 103 in Colombo warm-up, bolsters Test case

Indian cricketer Devdutt Padikkal has made a compelling case for a return to the Test side, scoring a fluent century in a warm-up match in Colombo on August 8, 2026. His performance comes as the primary contender for the number three batting position, Sai Sudharsan, has been officially ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka due to an unhealed toe injury.

Padikkal, a 26-year-old left-handed batter from Karnataka, struck 103 runs from 121 deliveries against a Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground. His innings, which included 14 boundaries, provided crucial stability after India lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck in the first over. Padikkal reached his century with a pull shot for four before retiring out voluntarily to allow other middle-order batters time in the middle.

The century's timing is highly significant for team selection. With Sudharsan ruled out after failing to recover from an injury sustained during India A's tour of Sri Lanka in June and July, the coveted number three slot is vacant for the first Test in Galle, which begins on August 15. Padikkal's commanding display against both pace and spin has positioned him as...