Devdutt Padikkal cooks up a storm in windy Lincoln to turn the match on its head

Devdutt Padikkal cooked up a storm in windy Lincon on Monday, October 26, hitting a sensational 199 to put India A in a dominant position on Day 3 of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A.

Padikkal, batting from a night score of 56 not out, continued his impressive innings to reach 199. He was dismissed just 1 run short of his double century, 10 minutes before Tea, beating fast bowler Zak Gibson down the leg side. Padikkal looked extremely unhappy with the decision and argued with the umpire before finally walking off. He gestured that there were miles between his bat and the ball. Padikkal reacts after being released. (Screengrab: SonySports)

The left-hander scored 199 off 248 deliveries at a strike rate of 80.24, hitting 24 boundaries and three sixes. His innings helped India A turn the match on its head after spending most of the first two days behind New Zealand. India were bowled out for just 113 in their first innings before conceding 317 runs to the hosts.

The visiting team needed something special in their second and final innings to defend themselves from this position and Padikkal provided exactly that. He looked sensational, driving the ball across the covers and dominating the New Zealand fast bowlers despite the windy conditions.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, MEET THE REAL STAR BOY OF INDIAN CRICKET! – India were bowled out for just 113 runs in the 1st innings. – In the 2nd innings, both the openers were dismissed early. – With India on September 2, Devdutt Padikkal came into bat. – Has smashed a century and is now batting on 172* (226 balls). – While other players struggled, Padikkal stood tall and showed his class. CELEBRATING THE CENTURY OF THE SAVIOR OF INDIAN TEST CRICKET – DEVDUTT PADIKKAL!— Sam (@cricsam02) October 26, 2026

Padikkal was supported by Sai Sudharsan, who fell just one run short of a century in the opening tournament match of the series. Sudharsan was dismissed by Kristian Clarke in the 62nd over of India’s second innings. The duo added 215 runs in their partnership.

After Sudharsan’s recall, Padikkal was joined by left-armer Yash Rathod, who built another strong partnership with him on Monday. The duo added 142 runs off 142 balls to extend India’s lead past 150 runs.

The two partnerships helped India A recover from a precarious position after losing both their openers in the first five overs on Day 2. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were destroyed by quality fast bowling. Jaiswal was caught out by the bouncer while Rahul ran into his own stumps as he tried to play the ball that trickled down to them.

HOW WAS PADIKKAL’S FORM IN TEST CRICKET?

Padikkal has been in great form in red ball cricket. Since returning to the Indian setup during the Test series in Sri Lanka, he has continued to score runs consistently. He was not initially part of India’s first team plans but was given an opportunity after Sudharsan’s injury in August.

He impressed against spin during the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka and has now shown signs of replicating that form in fast-bowling conditions.

– The end