India A cricket team batter Devdutt Padikkal slammed his 20th first-class half-century in the 2nd innings of the 1st unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A on Sunday. The number 3 batter made amends after being dismissed for just 12 runs in the 1st innings. However, Padikkal failed to convert his half-century into what would have been a well-deserved century as he threw his wicket away in the 41st over.
Padikkal misses out on 100 in India A vs Sri Lanka A Test
Coming out to bat at number 3, Padikkal played a patient knock of 67 runs from 101 deliveries. He seemed to be in no hurry and struck just five fours, making his intention of staying out in the middle for as long as possible quite clear. However, that was short-lived as he was caught out by Kavindu Pathiratne off Sudeera’s bowling in the 41st over.
Padikkal had the golden opportunity to register a big score and impress the selectors, especially since Sai Sudharsan had retired hurt for just 7 runs after suffering an injury scare. It is no secret that the two are directly competing for the number three spot in the Indian Test side and this unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A is an audition.
Just a fortnight ago, India had to choose between him and Sai Sudharsan for the No. 3 spot in the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Despite Padikkal entering the summer in arguably better form, the team management backed Sudharsan.
DDP was Karnataka’s most dependable batter in the Ranji Trophy, where he made 543 runs at 54.30, including a double century in the semi-final. However, it was at the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he was otherworldly, scoring 725 runs at 90.63 across just nine innings. For RCB, Padikkal revamped his game so much that he was perhaps the most improved cricketer this year, hammering 464 runs at a strike rate close to 170.
India’s next Test series will be against Sri Lanka later this year. Now, it is imperative for Devdutt to score big in the 2nd unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A should he fancy a chance of making it to India’s playing XI. However, with the team management and head coach Gautam Gambhir willing to give Sudharsan a long rope, it is unlikely that Padikkal will play another Test anytime soon, unless the former is injured.
