Deep Dasgupta identifies Devdutt Padikkal's century as biggest positive from India's warm-up match

India's warm-up match against SLC XI in Colombo served as crucial preparation ahead of the first Test scheduled to start from August 15 onwards in Galle. Devdutt Padikkal, drafted as a like-to-like replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan, made a strong impression during the preparation fixture at Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground. Sudharsan remained unavailable due to injury and continued his recovery at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The warm-up encounter provided the Indian squad with valuable match situations and opportunities to build rhythm before the official Test series. Padikkal struck a classy century on day 2 of the match, demonstrating his readiness for the upcoming two-match Test series for which he was part of the 15-man squad.

"According to me, the biggest positive, was that when we got the news that Sai Sudharsan is not available, the player who can and will play in his place, has a century to his name. So that is a huge positive, and because of that, Devdutt Padikkal will step out with confidence now. It is now certain that he will play," Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.

The former India wicketkeeper assessed the preparation match as an important stepping stone for the squad's final preparations. Dasgupta noted that India fielded for a substantial period during the warm-up match, which allowed the bowling unit to gain rhythm and experience against quality opposition. The SLC XI presented a formidable bowling unit with players who had represented Sri Lanka, providing the Indian squad with meaningful preparation. This level of opposition helped test skills and strategies before the official Test series began.

"It was good to see that India put in 90 overs in the field, because apart from batting and bowling, it is also important to get used to being on the ground all day, especially when you are playing red-ball cricket after such a long time. From that perspective, in my opinion, there are a lot of positives there," Dasgupta said.

Jadeja fifty keeps India on front foot in warm-up match

Dasgupta observed that almost all players got batting and bowling opportunities in match situations, ensuring the squad was well-prepared for the challenges ahead. The warm-up fixture thus served its intended purpose of building confidence and match fitness across the entire squad before the two-match Test series commenced in Galle.

"Almost everyone got their turn with the bat and ball, they have got game time in a match situation. Also, the team that the Sri Lanka Cricket have put out, it is a good side. Sometimes there is the fear of what kind of a team you will get to play against in a warm-up match, like a team against whom playing will not bring any benefit. But that is not the case here. It was a good bowling unit, because many of those players have played for Sri Lanka before. Overall, it was a good outing, India got what they wanted," Dasgupta concluded.