Devdutt Padikkal Hits Second Straight Century in Colombo Test Against Sri Lanka
Indian left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal achieved another significant milestone on the tour of Sri Lanka by scoring his second consecutive Test century on Sunday, August 23. The achievement came during the opening day of the second and final Test match played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, cementing his remarkable form at the number three batting position.
What Happened
Stepping in at No. 3, Padikkal reached three figures to mark back-to-back hundreds across the two-match series. He had previously registered a match-defining 167 off 230 balls in the first innings of the opening Test in Galle. His latest hundred at the Sinhalese Sports Club followed seamlessly from that performance, elevating his overall first-class batting average above 44.
Padikkal originally joined the playing XI as a late replacement for Sai Sudharsan, who was sidelined from the series after sustaining a stress fracture to his toe. Making the most of the opportunity, Padikkal converted his starts into triple-figure scores in both Galle and Colombo, emerging as a pivotal contributor to India’s batting lineup.
Key Highlights
- Consecutive Hundreds: Devdutt Padikkal scored centuries in both the first Test at Galle and the second Test at Colombo.
- Solid First-Class Record: With his latest three-figure mark, Padikkal lifted his career first-class batting average past the 44 mark.
- Replacement Success: Called up following Sai Sudharsan’s toe injury, Padikkal settled into the crucial number three role for the touring side.
- Series Context: India entered the Colombo fixture with a 1-0 series advantage after securing a 165-run victory in the opening encounter.
- Opposition Setbacks: Sri Lanka entered the deciding match without Dinesh Chandimal due to concussion protocols, alongside ongoing fitness concerns regarding Kamindu Mendis.
Why This Matters
Padikkal’s second century comes at a pivotal junction in the series. India currently holds a 1-0 advantage following their comprehensive 165-run win at Galle, which was anchored by Padikkal’s first-innings score of 167. Because India requires only a draw in Colombo to secure a series victory on Sri Lankan soil, compiling a formidable first-innings score severely restricts the hosts’ ability to force a result.
Moreover, for an individual batter entering the squad as an injury replacement, delivering two defining knocks in testing overseas conditions presents a compelling argument regarding team balance and batting order hierarchy going forward.
Conversely, Sri Lanka faced added pressure heading into this contest. Needing an outright victory to level the two-match series, the home side was forced to cope with the absence of middle-order batter Dinesh Chandimal under concussion protocols, alongside lingering injury concerns around Kamindu Mendis. Padikkal’s innings has further challenged a depleted Sri Lankan squad on the opening day.
What to Watch Next
With India holding a 1-0 series lead, the visiting side will aim to build upon Padikkal’s foundation to post a commanding first-innings total in Colombo. Sri Lanka must take remaining wickets and target an outright win to avoid a home series defeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Devdutt Padikkal replace in the Indian Test squad?
Padikkal entered the lineup to replace Sai Sudharsan, who was ruled out of the series due to a stress fracture of the toe.
What did Devdutt Padikkal score in the first Test at Galle?
In the first Test match held between August 15 and 19 at Galle, Padikkal scored 167 runs off 230 deliveries in the first innings.
What is the current state of the India vs Sri Lanka Test series?
India leads the two-match series 1-0 following a 165-run win in the first Test. India needs only a draw in the second Test in Colombo to claim the series, whereas Sri Lanka must win to draw level.
Source: CricTracker