Devdutt Padikkal made a strong claim for the No. 3 batting position during India's three-day warm-up match against SLC XI, scoring an unbeaten 142 to guide his team to 357 for 6 by the end of the second day. India currently trails the hosts by six runs, following the overnight declaration of SLC XI at 363 for 8.
The innings began poorly for India when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed by Vishwa Fernando for a duck on the second ball. However, a 96-run partnership between KL Rahul and Padikkal stabilized the visitors. Rahul contributed 40 runs, including five fours and a six, before being dismissed by Keshara Nuwantha. With Shubman Gill sidelined for the second consecutive day due to a right ring finger injury sustained during training, Ravindra Jadeja stepped in to partner Padikkal. The duo added 72 runs before Padikkal reached his century in 121 balls and subsequently retired hurt on 103.
The match saw a brief shift in momentum when Ramesh Mendis removed Rishabh Pant for 2 and Dhruv Jurel for 1, reducing India to 174 for 4. Manav Suthar then joined Jadeja to build a half-century partnership. Jadeja eventually retired hurt after scoring 63 off 117 balls, while Suthar made 41 off 90 before falling lbw to Asanka Manoj. Further rotations saw Kuldeep Yadav retire hurt and Saransh Jain contribute 22 runs. Padikkal returned to the crease later in the day to continue his innings, reaching 142 not out.
The day concluded with an aggressive display from Gurnoor Brar, who struck four sixes in the final over against Dilum Sudeera to finish on an unbeaten 36 from 18 balls. Despite his injury, Gill was spotted on the dressing-room balcony without significant strapping on his finger. Brief scores: SLC XI 363/8 dec., India 357/6 (Devdutt Padikkal 142*, Ravindra Jadeja 63, Manav Suthar 41; Asanka Manoj 2-32, Ramesh Mendis 2-77).
Amid uncertainty over Sai Sudharsan's availability, Devdutt Padikkal made a compelling case for the No.
Padikkal returned to the crease after his earlier retirement and seamlessly resumed from where he had left off, moving into the 140s while remaining unbeaten.
