SL vs IND 2026: 'Gambhir has no work' - Kris Srikkanth questions Devdutt Padikkal's replacement talk

Devdutt Padikkal made a strong impression in his debut for India during the first Test against Sri Lanka from August 15 to 19, 2026. Padikkal was brought into the squad as a replacement for India's regular number three, Sai Sudharsan, who was ruled out of the series due to injury. The left-handed batter delivered an impressive performance in India's first innings of 462, scoring 167 runs.

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has now weighed in on Padikkal's performance and the broader selection picture, questioning the role of head coach Gautam Gambhir in the decision-making process. Srikkanth stated that Padikkal's strong showing in the opening Test has made his position secure for the remainder of the series, as cited on Sportskeeda.

"Gambhir has no work. How can you replace Padikkal going forward with the 200+ runs he has scored in the first Test? Gambhir just says something, and anyway he has no work in the Sri Lankan series because Sri Lanka is a bad side and India will surely win. He'll jump after winning against sides like Sri Lanka and Afghanistan," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

"I am not trying to be harsh on Gambhir. He was a good player and is a good reader of the game. But he can be a bit more communicative. He was very effective as a player, though," he added.

Padikkal's strong debut secures his position

Padikkal's performance began impressively on the opening day of the Test, when he hit a century and remained unbeaten on 131. He went on to complete 150 runs by the end of day two, demonstrating consistency at the crease. India ultimately won the first Test by 165 runs, with Padikkal's contribution playing a significant role in the team's strong first-innings total.

Kuldeep Yadav's selection prospects for the second Test

Srikkanth also addressed the situation regarding Sai Sudharsan, the regular number three who was sidelined by injury. He noted that Sudharsan will face a difficult path to reclaim his position once he recovers, given Padikkal's successful debut and the runs he has accumulated in the series opener.

Beyond Padikkal's performance, Srikkanth has also commented on the bowling composition for the upcoming second Test. He expressed uncertainty about left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav's participation in the next match, suggesting that the player may be dropped in favour of off-spinner Saransh Jain. Saransh Jain was included in the India squad after Washington Sundar was ruled unavailable for the opening Test due to a hamstring injury.

"I am not sure Kuldeep Yadav will play the second Test. He will be dropped, and Saransh Jain will play. He should come back to the ODI side. He is still one of the best fielders and left-arm spinners in the world. Even as an all-rounder, he's among the best in the world," Srikkanth said.