Devdutt Padikkal was shocked when the umpire’s decision ended his knock at 199: Watch

Devdutt Padikkal was visibly unhappy after an umpire’s decision denied him the chance to complete a double century as he dismissed India A for 199 on the third day of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A.

Padikkal was adjudged to have been caught behind leg by medium pacer Zak Gibson, ending a brilliant innings that put India A in control of the contest. The left-hander looked stunned as the umpire held up his finger and animatedly signaled that the ball had not skipped.

After briefly standing his ground, Padikkal eventually returned to the pavilion, just one run short of the double hundred. With no Decision Review System (DRS) or snickometer available, he had no opportunity to challenge the decision.

Padikkal smashed 23 boundaries and three sixes in his 248-ball knock and helped India A recover from their disastrous first innings to reach 488 for eight in their second innings. India A were bowled out for just 113 on the opening day, giving New Zealand A a lead of over 200 runs.

Thanks to stumps on day three, India A turned the match around and built a lead of 288 runs, putting them in a strong position heading into the final day.

PADIKKAL MAKES HIS CASE

The change could hardly have come at a better time for Padikkal, who is firmly in the conversation for India’s No.3 spot ahead of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. He had already strengthened his case back to back Test centuries in Sri Lanka, and his latest performance offered another reminder of his ability to bat for long periods.

The Indian team management also wanted to assess Sai Sudharsan, who returned to action after recovering from injury. Sudharsan played an impressive 91 with the pair adding 210 runs for the third wicket.

The left-hander hit 12 boundaries in his 184-ball innings, but Padikkal looked more confident in his stroke selection and control as the partnership developed.

WATCH THE VIDEO

DEVDUTT PADIKKAL FIRED FOR CONTROVERSIAL UMPIRING DECISION! – Padikkal was batting on 199 when the bowler delivered the ball wide. – Padikkal tried to play but was suddenly ruled out by the umpire, apparently believing the ball had crossed the bat. – Padikkal was shocked by the decision. Note: There is no DRS in unofficial test matches. Sam (@cricsam02) October 26, 2026

Batting conditions also became easier as the course leveled out on the third day, with less movement and less bounce. Padikkal handled the short ball with confidence and used his legs well against left-armer Jayden Lennox as he hit two of his three sixes off the spinner.

His first six off Lennox, knocked down the ground, brought up his century. He later cleared long on before pulling Fraser Sheat over square leg for another maximum.

After Sudharsan fell short of a hundred, Padikkal found further support in Yash Rathod, who scored 66 off 72 balls. The pair added 142 runs to propel India A to the lead.

LOWER ORDER ADDS TO LEADERSHIP

Once Padikkal and Rathod left, Washington Sundar took charge of the lower order. His unbeaten 51 along with contributions from Anshul Kamboja (23) and Auqib Nabi (38) helped India A extend their lead further.

Kamboj and Sundar added 41 runs before the all-rounder was joined by Nabi for another 69 runs.

While Padikkal missed out on a landmark double century, his innings gave the selectors plenty to think about ahead of the Test series in New Zealand. The controversial dismissal may have ended his knock of 199, but his performance strengthened his claim for a place in India’s middle order.

– The end