If Sai Sudharsan comes back, they will still have to give the chance to Devdutt Padikkal, says Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin says Devdutt Padikkal must retain India's No.3 position even if Sai Sudharsan recovers from his toe injury.
3 Min Read
Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Devdutt Padikkal to retain India's No.3 position even if Sai Sudharsan recovers from his toe injury. Padikkal earned his opportunity in the ongoing Test series after Sudharsan was ruled out with a stress fracture sustained during India A's tour of Sri Lanka. The left-handed batter has made a compelling case for his continued selection with strong performances in his recent appearances.
Ashwin's comments come after Padikkal scored his maiden Test century during India's first Test against Sri Lanka on August 15, 2026, coinciding with India's 600th Test match. In that match, Padikkal scored 167 in the first innings and scored 44 in the second innings, demonstrating the technical soundness and temperament that Ashwin highlighted.
"When we played the practice games at the WACA (before the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy), Padikkal looked really, really comfortable. I feel like he is a batter who has a lot of time to play against pacers. Now, if he scores runs in the second Test, I think he will have to be the No.3 in New Zealand. It's very difficult to keep him out. As of now, both of them can find a place in the playing XI, but I think if Sudharsan comes back, they will have to give the chance to Padikkal because of the way he has batted," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Padikkal 167 on recall: 'Perform when given the chance'
Padikkal's technique and temperament impress Ashwin
Ashwin praised Padikkal's technical execution and fielding ability, noting that the batter's commitment to first-class cricket had strengthened his Test credentials. The veteran spinner emphasised that Padikkal's development through domestic cricket represented a positive trend for Indian cricket's pathway to the longest format.
"The way Devdutt batted, especially on the back foot, and the way he used his feet and shuffled from back to front, was really good. He showed why there is value in spending time in the first-class system. He shaped up his skills there, and he exhibited those here in the Test. He is also a good slip fielder, I hope he gets to field at slip even for spinners," Ashwin said.
"He can be a long-term solution in the slip cordon for spinners. He also has the temperament of Ajinkya Rahane. So, I really hope Devdutt goes from strength to strength because he is a damn good player," he added.
First-class cricket proved crucial to Padikkal's Test readiness
Ashwin acknowledged that Sudharsan's injury had created the opening for Padikkal's opportunity, but stressed that the left-hander's performances had made it difficult to overlook his claim to the position. The spinner noted that Sudharsan had also scored runs in his previous match, but Padikkal's recent form and technical improvements had established a strong case for his retention.
"The way he has given importance to first-class cricket and performed there, I think it is a great thing that has happened to the Indian first-class system. Devdutt Padikkal performed and got into the Test team. It is always hard to keep a good man out. He got the opportunity because of Sai Sudharsan's injury. If Sai Sudharsan was fit, he would have batted at No.3, because he had scored runs in the last match as well," Ashwin said.
Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:
Download Our App