India vs Sri Lanka XI warm-up: Padikkal century, early showers on Day 2

Rain interruption, then steady progress

Play resumed after a brief spell of early morning showers on Day 2 of the warm-up match between India and Sri Lanka XI, with the visitors at 67 for 1. The Indian openers, led by Devdutt Padikkal, had already set a solid platform before the weather intervened.

The covers came off within minutes, and the umpires signalled no further delay. The pitch, still carrying some moisture, offered early movement, but the Indian batters looked untroubled in their short stay so far.

Padikkal's patient century makes a statement

Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 103 off 121 balls on Day 1 has been the standout performance of this warm-up fixture. The left-hander's knock was marked by patience and discipline, qualities that selectors often value in overseas conditions.

Padikkal's innings included crisp drives off the front foot and a measured approach against spin. His strike rate, though modest by modern standards, reflected the situation — a warm-up game where time in the middle matters more than quick runs.

How Padikkal prepared for the Sri Lankan challenge

According to reports, Padikkal's preparation for this series was anything but routine. He spent long hours in the nets, facing the Kookaburra ball — a change from the SG ball used in domestic cricket — and worked extensively against left-arm spinners, a challenge Sri Lanka are likely to pose.

The 121-ball effort suggests that the homework has paid off. Padikkal's ability to rotate strike and punish loose deliveries kept the scoreboard moving even when boundaries were hard to come by.

Rishabh Pant's early exit, but no panic

Rishabh Pant, who was expected to use this warm-up to regain touch, fell cheaply. The wicketkeeper-batter's dismissal came at a time when India were looking to accelerate, and his stay in the middle was cut short by a delivery that found the edge.

Pant's form will be a talking point leading into the series, but the team management is unlikely to press the panic button over one low score in a practice game. The focus remains on getting the combination right before the first Test.

What to watch as Day 2 unfolds

With India at 67 for 1 in the second innings, the spotlight will be on how the middle order — including Padikkal — builds on the start. The warm-up game offers one final chance for fringe players to impress before the squad for the opening Test is locked in.

Weather forecasts suggest clearer skies for the remainder of the day, which should allow for a full session of play. All eyes will be on Padikkal to see if he can convert his first-innings form into another substantial score, and whether the bowlers can make early inroads with the new ball.