SL vs IND Warm-up: Devdutt Padikkal makes timely statement in India's Test preps
With Sai Sudharsan ruled out of the series due to injury, India had been left with a question mark over who would fill the crucial No.3 slot. Padikkal answered that question emphatically, striking 18 fours in a commanding knock that anchored India's recovery on the…
With Sai Sudharsan ruled out of the series due to injury, India had been left with a question mark over who would fill the crucial No.3 slot. Padikkal answered that question emphatically, striking 18 fours in a commanding knock that anchored India's recovery on.
Padikkal walked in early on Day 2 after Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck with just two balls played. The left-hander responded positively, settling into his innings before gradually taking control.
What Happened
His strokeplay through the off side was particularly effective as he mixed patience with a steady flow of boundaries. The knock also came at an important time for the Karnataka batter.
KL Rahul continued to lead India in his absence, with the team management monitoring Gill's fitness ahead of the Test series.
Shubman Gill remained absent for a second successive day after missing the opening day following a blow to his right ring finger during practice.
The first was a slog sweep over deep midwicket, followed by another six straight back over the bowler's head before he stepped out and launched the final delivery inside-out over extra cover.
Key Details
With Sudharsan unavailable, he has given the team management plenty to consider before the Test series. India's innings began poorly, with Jaiswal lasting just two balls before flashing at a wide delivery from Vishwa Fernando and edging it to backward point.
He saved his most aggressive display for the final over, hitting all sixes in the final over of the day’s play.
Gurnoor Brar smashed an unbeaten 36 off just 18 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes.
Dhruv Jurel could not make his opportunity count, falling for one, while Manav Suthar provided a useful contribution from the lower order with 45 off 90 balls.
Why It Matters
KL Rahul then steadied the innings and looked increasingly comfortable as he settled into his role.
His innings gave him valuable time in the middle after an underwhelming bowling spell on the opening day.
He brought up a half-century and appeared set for a substantial score before an ambitious slog against Kesara ended his stay.
What Reports Say
Coverage of the story so far points to:
Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge
