India’s preparation for the Test series against Sri Lanka gathered full steam on Day 2 of the two-day practice fixture against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) XI. Powered by a magnificent 142 from Devdutt Padikkal and solid half-centuries from Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, India ended their innings on a high, reaching 357/6 in response to SLC XI’s first-innings total of 363/8 declared.
You can watch the full match highlights on YouTube
Early Stumble & Padikkal-Rahul Stabilization
Having declared overnight on 363/8 following strong knocks from Nishan Madushka (66) and Rashanta (71), Sri Lanka Cricket XI gave their pacers an early tryout on a hard pitch.
India’s opening combination featured Yashasvi Jaiswal alongside KL Rahul. However, Jaiswal’s stay at the crease was brief, as he was caught at cover off Vishwa Fernando without scoring.
Walking in at number three, Devdutt Padikkal immediately took charge. Driven by crisp drives through the cover region and swift footwork against the seamers, Padikkal accelerated smoothly. Alongside a composed KL Rahul, who chipped in with a patient 40 off 67 balls, Padikkal rebuilt the innings before Rahul was bowled by spinner Ramesh Mendis.
Middle-Order Tests and Jadeja’s Calm Presence
With the fall of Rahul, experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja joined Padikkal. The pair negotiated the mid-day session comfortably. Padikkal reached his century in 61 deliveries before temporarily retiring on 103 to allow other batters valuable time in the middle.
Jadeja anchored the middle order with a controlled 63 off 115 balls, executing crisp back-foot pulls and lofted drives over mid-wicket.
The Sri Lankan spinners found some joy during the afternoon:
- Rishabh Pant was caught coming down the track for just 2.
- Dhruv Jurel was dismissed for 1 after a clever rebound catch off Mendis.
Suthar’s Resistance & Late Fireworks
Youngster Manav Suthar showed grit down the order, constructing a mature 41 featuring elegant inside-out strokes over extra cover before being trapped LBW by Asanka Manoj.
Once Jadeja and the middle order retired, Padikkal returned to resume his innings, taking his personal tally to an impressive 142. The day ended in spectacular fashion when India’s tail-enders launched four consecutive sixes in the final over, closing out Day 2 on 357/6.
Day 2 Summary Scorecard
| Team / Player | Key Performance | Highlights / Details |
| SLC XI (1st Innings) | 363/8 declared (90 overs) | Madushka 66, Rashanta 71, Bandara 52 |
| Devdutt Padikkal | 142 (Top Scorer) | Retired on 103*, resumed to reach 142 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 63 (115 balls) | Solid mid-innings anchor, retired out |
| KL Rahul | 40 (67 balls) | Clean driving before being bowled by Mendis |
| Manav Suthar | 41 | Crucial lower-order contribution |
| India (Final Score) | 357/6 | Matched SLC XI’s total with late boundary blitz |
Video Source: YouTube
