Devdutt Padikkal Secures Test Spot With Century in Sri Lanka
· Sports · Indian Express, Times of India
Devdutt Padikkal scored a maiden Test hundred and earned Player of the Match honours during India's 165-run win over Sri Lanka in Galle. Having waited through 14 Tests, the batter arrived in Sri Lanka with a stronger physical build and a clearer mental approach. Working with coach Mohammed Naseeruddin at the Karnataka Institute of Cricket in Bengaluru, Padikkal practiced extensively with Kookaburra balls on turning tracks to prepare for spin attacks. Teammate Krishnappa Gowtham noted that Padikkal maintained active game awareness during his earlier stint on the 2021 white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. The report does not specify whether Padikkal will retain the No. 3 batting position for subsequent matches.
Why it matters
Padikkal's century provides a long-term solution for India's persistent vacancy at the No. 3 Test batting position, strengthening the team's middle order for upcoming international series.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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