Devdutt Padikkal Scores Century In IND vs SL XI Warm-Up Match Ahead of India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026

India top-order batsman Devdutt Padikkal staked a strong claim for selection in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka after scoring a rapid century on day two of the three-day warm-up match in Colombo on Saturday, 8 August 2026. Batting at number three, the left-hander reached three figures off just 121 deliveries at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground before retiring to allow middle-order teammates match practice. Sarfaraz Khan’s Cryptic Post Goes Viral Amidst Team India Snub, Says ‘I May Not Fit In, But ..’.

Devdutt Padikkal Scores Ton

💯 for Devdutt Padikkal! 🙌🙌

A superb knock from the left-handed batter in the warm-up game against SLC XI! 👏 👏

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/g7rdlUUjY2 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/eb0p6gnyEQ

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 8, 2026

Early Blow Followed by Composed Recovery

India’s reply to Sri Lanka Cricket XI’s overnight declared total of 363 for eight began poorly when opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for a two-ball duck. Jaiswal edged left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando to gully in the opening over of the innings.

Padikkal joined KL Rahul at the crease and quickly settled India's response, counter-attacking against both pace and spin. The Karnataka batsman drove crisply through the off-side and punished short deliveries to bring up a 61-ball half-century shortly before a brief rain interruption.

Devdutt Padikkal Reaches Three Figures Before Retiring

Following the resumption, India lost KL Rahul, who was bowled after making a steady start. However, Padikkal maintained momentum alongside Ravindra Jadeja.

Padikkal survived an outside edge in the 90s before completing his hundred with a mid-wicket boundary off 121 balls, an innings featuring 14 boundaries. Having completed his milestone to take India to 168 for two, Padikkal (103*) was withdrawn retired out by the team management, making way for wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.

Padikkal's century provides a timely boost for India's batting lineup ahead of the upcoming Test match in Galle. Regular skipper Shubman Gill did not take the field on the opening day following a minor training injury, increasing the focus on India’s top-order reserves. Shubman Gill Unlikely To Take Field in Sri Lanka XI Warm-Up Match; Races To Be Fit for IND vs SL 1st Test 2026: Report.

Match Overview

The three-day warm-up fixture, which began on August 7, serves as a vital acclimatization opportunity for the Indian squad ahead of the main Test series. The Sri Lanka XI, after winning the toss, posted a strong first-innings total of 363 for 8 declared, featuring half-centuries from Nishan Madushka (66), Ravindu Rasantha (71), and Sonal Dinusha (52). For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the most effective bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 76 runs.

India's response started cautiously, with early lunch called on Day 2 due to persistent rain when India were 67/1. Despite the interruptions, Padikkal demonstrated exceptional composure and aggression, proving his readiness for the Test arena. Rishabh Pant's Midnight Plea to CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Over 'Land Acquisition Nightmare' Goes Viral.

 Key Performances

Test Series Outlook

The warm-up match is a precursor to the highly anticipated two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and India. The first Test is scheduled to begin on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium, followed by the second Test from August 23-27 at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. These matches are integral to the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, where both teams will vie for crucial points.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2026 02:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).