India A vs Sri Lanka A, Unofficial Test Day 4. Ayush Pandey and Devdutt Padikkal extend India’s lead

India’s declaration plan A
Openers Aayush Pandey (20)* and Devdutt Padikkal (20)* will continue the innings on Day 4. With a huge first-innings advantage in hand, India A is expected to score at a rapid pace during the morning session, aiming to stretch their lead to around 325-350 runs before declaring. Such a target would leave Sri Lanka A with a daunting chase while giving India’s bowling attack enough time to force a result.

Sai Sudharsan’s health remains under the scanner
India A may be without one of their standout performers if needed later in the innings. After making an excellent 132 in the first innings, Sai Sudharsan retired hurt just four overs from India in the second innings. His fitness remains a concern, though the visitors may not need him to bowl again if their top order accelerates as planned.

Auqib Nabi led the Indian bowling attack
Fast bowler Auqib Nabi emerged as a game-changer on Day 3 with outstanding figures of 4/58, sparking a dramatic lower-order collapse as Sri Lanka A lost their last five wickets for just 30 runs. He will once again lead India’s pace attack, while spinners Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur are expected to play a more prominent role in a face that should provide more turn and variable bounce as the match progresses.

Sri Lanka A face a stern test of survival
For the hosts, the priority is to fight on the last day to save a draw. Their hopes will rest largely on first-innings performers Nuwanidu Fernando (84), captain Sahan Arachchige (72), and Ashen Bandara (70), who should produce another strong batting effort against an Indian attack that has grown in confidence after dominating the latter stages of the third day.