Padikkal’s Century Solves India’s No. 3 Dilemma: Just ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting on August 15 in Galle, the Indian cricket team has received some welcome news. In a three-day warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI, left-handed batsman Devdutt Padikkal played a marathon unbeaten innings of 142 runs, steering India to a six-wicket victory. Following this magnificent century, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak heaped praise on him, a move that seems to clarify the picture regarding the playing XI for the Galle Test.
Sai Sudharsan Injury Opens Door for Padikkal’s Heroics
B. Sai Sudharsan, the primary contender for the No. 3 spot in the Test team, has been ruled out of the Sri Lanka series due to a toe injury. Consequently, the Indian team management faced the significant challenge of selecting a reliable batsman for the No. 3 position.
In the warm-up match, Padikkal’s unbeaten knock of 142 runs—featuring 18 boundaries—not only ensured the team’s victory while chasing a target of 207 but also positioned him as the frontrunner in the race for the No. 3 spot.
Sitanshu Kotak Praises Padikkal: Frontrunner for No. 3 Spot
Speaking to BCCI TV, Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said, “Devdutt batted really well. For me, this innings of his was extremely special and valuable.”
Kotak’s statement strongly suggests that Padikkal will be the first choice for the No. 3 position in the playing XI for the Galle Test.
Being a left-handed batsman, he also brings variety to the top order.
Warm-Up Match Proves More Valuable Than Net Practice
According to Sitanshu Kotak, playing the practice match in Sri Lanka proved more beneficial than spending four days sweating it out in the nets.
- Bowlers got ample opportunity: Barring Aaqib Nabi and Prasidh Krishna, the specialist bowlers bowled between 18 and 20 overs, maintaining the match’s intensity.
- Lower-order contribution: Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar hit useful sixes from the lower order, a positive aspect from a Test match perspective.
Sarfaraz Khan Joins Squad: Added Depth to Middle Order
Right-handed batsman Sarfaraz Khan, brought into the squad as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan, also joined the practice session at the NCC ground on Monday. However, given Padikkal’s century in the practice match, it appears somewhat difficult for Sarfaraz to secure a spot directly in the playing XI.
India Predicted Playing XI vs Sri Lanka for Galle Test
Considering the performance in the practice match and the prevailing conditions, here is India’s predicted playing XI for the first Test in Galle:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Shubman Gill
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Dhruv Jurel / Saransh Jain
- Manav Suthar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Gurnoor Brar
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