
Devdutt Padikkal scored 103 off 121 balls for India in a practice match in Sri Lanka, drawing 'RCB, RCB' chants from fans. He batted at No.3, a position he has played in…
Devdutt Padikkal scored 103 off 121 balls for India in a practice match in Sri Lanka, drawing 'RCB, RCB' chants from fans. He batted at No.3, a position he has played in domestic cricket, and retired out after his century. The knock comes as India assess batting options ahead of the two-Test series starting August 15.

The Times of India reports Padikkal was not a starter but got the chance after Sai Sudharsan's niggle. It describes his innings as a fluent 142 off 164 in another account, though both agree he impressed. Padikkal last played a Test for India in November 2024 and has been preparing against spin.

Padikkal's ton is being sold as a selection statement, but the real story is India's fragile middle-order planning. One practice hundred, against modest spin, does not settle a Test spot. The hype around RCB chants also misses the point: this is red-ball cricket. Watch whether Padikkal survives the first hour in Galle against a new ball, not his strokeplay. That will tell if he belongs at No.3.
Sources (2): news.abplive.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.