Devdutt Padikkal given out on 199 after controversial caught-behind call in India A v New Zealand A unofficial Test

Devdutt Padikkal was adjudged out for 199 on the third day of the first unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, leaving the batter visibly stunned after the on-field umpire raised his finger. The decision, given as a caught behind down the leg side off medium pacer Zak Gibson, could not be reviewed because there was no Decision Review System or snickometer available.

Padikkal had produced a 248-ball innings containing 23 boundaries and three sixes as India A recovered from a first-innings total of 113 to reach 488 for eight in their second innings. India A had been bowled out for just 113 on the opening day, conceding a lead of more than 200 runs to New Zealand A, but by stumps on the third day they held a lead of 288 runs. Padikkal had already strengthened his case with back-to-back Test centuries in Sri Lanka, and his latest knock has placed him firmly in the conversation for India's No. 3 spot ahead of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.

India A's recovery featured a 210-run third-wicket partnership between Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan, who returned from injury to make 91. The pair added 210 runs for the third wicket, and after Sudharsan fell short of a hundred Padikkal combined with Yash Rathod for a 142-run stand. Rathod finished with 66 off 72 balls, the partnerships pushing India A towards a commanding position.

The pitch flattened out on the third day, producing less movement and lower bounce, and Padikkal handled the short ball confidently. He used his feet effectively against left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox, hitting two of his three sixes off the spinner; his first six off Lennox, struck down the ground, brought up his century. He later cleared long-on before pulling Fraser Sheat over square leg for another maximum.

Contributions from the lower order extended the lead after Padikkal and Rathod departed: Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 51, Anshul Kamboj made 23 and Auqib Nabi scored 38. Kamboj and Sundar added 41 runs before Nabi joined Sundar for a 69-run stand. Those efforts helped India A close the third day with a lead of 288.

Padikkal appeared stunned when the umpire raised his finger and gestured animatedly to indicate that he had not edged the ball; after standing his ground briefly he walked back to the pavilion one run short of a double hundred. With no Decision Review System or snickometer available he had no way to challenge the call. A social post that circulated captured the incident, which read: "DEVDUTT PADIKKAL ANGRY OVER A CONTROVERSIAL UMPIRING DECISION! - Padikkal was batting on 199 when the bowler delivered the ball wide. - Padikkal tried to play the delivery, but the umpire suddenly declared him out, apparently believing the ball had edged the bat. - Padikkal was left shocked by the decision. Note: There is no DRS in unofficial Test matches." — Sam (@cricsam02) October 26, 2026

While the dismissal denied him a double century, Padikkal's 248-ball 199 has given the selectors plenty to consider ahead of the New Zealand Test series, and the innings has strengthened his claim for a place in India's middle order.