Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan produced a remarkable comeback for India A against New Zealand A in Lincoln, putting the visitors in control of the first unofficial Test and intensifying competition for India’s No. 3 position ahead of the next Test series.
After being dismissed for just 113 in their first innings, India A faced another early collapse in their second innings, losing KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal inside the first five overs. Padikkal responded with a magnificent 199, while Sudharsan scored 91 to help India A reach 488 for 8 by the end of Day 3.
New Zealand A had scored 317 in their first innings, giving them a 204-run advantage. India A’s recovery turned the contest around, leaving the visitors with a commanding 284-run lead heading into the final day.
Padikkal and Sudharsan Build a Match-Saving Partnership
Resuming Day 3 on 56 not out, Padikkal continued his aggressive approach, while Sudharsan resumed on 39. Despite challenging conditions and strong winds, the two left-handers combined patience with attacking strokeplay to rebuild the innings.
Padikkal reached his 12th first-class century with a six off Jayden Lennox and continued putting pressure on the New Zealand A bowlers. Sudharsan provided stability at the other end, allowing the partnership to cross 200 runs and take India A into the lead.
Their 215-run stand ended when Sudharsan was dismissed for 91 after top-edging a short delivery to a fielder behind square.
Padikkal then joined Yash Rathod, and the pair added 142 runs from 142 balls. Rathod contributed 66 before falling after Tea.
Padikkal was eventually dismissed for 199 off 248 deliveries, having struck 24 boundaries and three sixes. The decision, given caught behind down the leg side off Zak Gibson, appeared to frustrate the batter, who gestured towards the umpire to indicate that there was a gap between his bat and the ball.
Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 51 at stumps, helping India A finish at 488 for 8.
Does Padikkal Have the Edge for India’s No. 3 Spot?
Padikkal’s latest performance adds to an impressive run in red-ball cricket. He earned an opportunity in India’s Test side after Sudharsan suffered an injury during the series against Sri Lanka and responded with centuries in both Test matches he played. He had also scored a hundred in the preceding tour game.
His 199 against New Zealand A further demonstrated his ability to recover from difficult situations and attack different types of bowling.
Sudharsan, however, also strengthened his case with a composed innings that helped India A escape another top-order collapse. His 91 showed his value as a batter capable of providing stability under pressure.
With both players producing substantial contributions, the competition for India’s No. 3 position has become more intriguing. Padikkal’s recent centuries give him a strong argument, while Sudharsan’s consistency keeps him firmly in contention.
India A’s immediate priority will be to convert its substantial lead into a victory. Their performances in Lincoln have also given selectors another important opportunity to assess the depth of India’s Test batting options.
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