India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja continued his impressive preparations for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka by scoring a composed half-century on Day 2 of the ongoing warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo. Jadeja reached his fifty from 88 balls in the 56th over.
Dilum Sudeera bowled a full delivery outside off, and the left-hander responded with a well-timed sweep towards deep backward square leg. The boundary completed his half-century and prompted applause from India head coach Gautam Gambhir. Ravindra Jadeja eventually retired out after scoring 63 runs from 117 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries. His innings provided India with valuable batting practice ahead of the first Test, which begins in Galle on August 15.
Devdutt Padikkal was another standout performer for India, scoring an impressive 103 off 121 balls with 14 fours before retiring out. KL Rahul contributed 40 runs, while Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel endured difficult outings, scoring 0, 2, and 1, respectively.
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Sri Lanka Cricket XI had earlier declared their first innings at 363/8 after 90 overs. India were 255/7 after 70 overs, with Manav Suthar batting on 41 from 84 balls alongside Mohammed Siraj.
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Jadeja’s performance comes at an important stage of India’s preparations, with the two-Test series against Sri Lanka set to begin next week. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has backed the veteran all-rounder to play a crucial role for the visitors, particularly with the ball.
Kaif praised Jadeja’s accuracy, batting ability, and versatility, calling him one of the most complete all-rounders in Test cricket. He also suggested that Jadeja has the ability to bat higher up the order when required.
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Jadeja has an impressive record against Sri Lanka. In seven Tests, he has scored 326 runs at an average of 65.20, including a century and a half-century. With the ball, he has taken 33 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. With both departments capable of producing match-winning contributions, Jadeja could once again be one of India’s key players in the Sri Lanka series.
