Devdutt Padikkal produced a composed, fluid innings to spearhead India's response on Day 2 of their practice match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI (SLCXI). India closed the day at 357/6, trailing by a mere six runs with a single wicket remaining, though three of their batters chose to retire out. Padikkal himself had initially walked off upon reaching his hundred, only to stride back out late in the evening and finish unbeaten on 142 off 164 balls. Partnering him at the close was Gurnoor Brar, who provided late-day fireworks with an aggressive, unbeaten 36 off just 18 deliveries, powered by four huge sixes.
India ride on Devdutt Padikkal's ton to post 357/6 on Day 2
After SLCXI declared their first innings at 363/8 overnight, the Indian batting unit was granted an uninterrupted day on the park, barring a brief half-hour rain interruption before lunch. Aside from Padikkal’s standout performance, several key players capitalized on the time at the crease: KL Rahul scored a handy 40 off 67 balls, Ravindra Jadeja compiled a solid 63 off 117 deliveries, and Manav Suthar chipped in with a patient 41 from 90 balls.
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However, the day proved far less fruitful for the rest of India’s top and middle order. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was caught off the second ball of the morning while attempting a loose cut shot straight to backward point, while both specialist wicketkeepers failed to make an impact. Rishabh Pant lasted just five balls before miscuing an aggressive lofted shot off Ramesh Mendis to mid-off for 2, and Dhruv Jurel managed only 1 after his defensive push against short leg’s shoulder popped up for a sharp rebound catch.
Despite the periodic loss of wickets, India largely maintained command on a pitch that yielded considerable turn for the spin bowlers. This control was best demonstrated during a fluid 96-run second-wicket partnership between KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal, scored at a brisk 4.17 runs per over. The stand finally came to an end when off-spinner Kesara Nuwantha extracted sharp turn off the deck, beating Rahul's aggressive swing to rattle his stumps.
India kept the upper hand as Ravindra Jadeja’s energetic running combined seamlessly with Padikkal’s serene strokeplay. Their 72-run alliance off just 98 balls propelled India to 168 and allowed Padikkal to bring up his century with a crisp pull shot in front of square. Having reached the milestone, the tall left-hander opted to retire out to let others gain match practice.
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Ravindra Jadeja retired hurt after impressive 63
Although Padikkal's departure sparked a brief collapse with the quick dismissals of Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, Jadeja and Manav Suthar quickly regained control after tea. The pair forged India's third 50-plus partnership of the innings before Jadeja also retired out. Kuldeep Yadav joined Suthar next, managing a single run across 15 balls before walking off retired out, only for Suthar to be pinned leg-before on the very next delivery by a ball that appeared to pitch outside leg.
Padikkal then re-entered the action and picked up right where he left off. Joining forces with Nishant Sindhu, the duo orchestrated a rapid 83-run partnership—the second-highest of the innings—during an extended final session. Sindhu provided solid support with a 45-ball 22 that featured three boundaries before he too retired out.
Padikkal maintained his sublime touch to the end, while Gurnoor Brar provided a grandstand finish to the day’s play. Facing left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera in the final over of the evening, Brar launched three colossal sixes to cap off a dominant performance.