Why is Devdutt Padikkal not playing IND vs AFG one-off test?

Devdutt Padikkal played for RCB in IPL 2026 recently.

Indian Cricket Team are taking on Afghanistan Cricket Team in the one-off test at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Both teams are scheduled to clash in only one test, which will be followed by a three-match ODI series.

Indian captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bat first in the clash. Spinner Manav Suthar has made his test debut in the encounter.

Batter Devdutt Padikkal has been picked for the test squad against Afghanistan. However, he is not part of the playing XI. Padikkal played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026, playing a crucial role with the bat. RCB won the title by defeating Gujarat Titans in the final.

Why is Devdutt Padikkal not part of IND vs AFG one-off test?

Notably, India have preferred Sai Sudharsan at No.3 position and Padikkal has been overlooked for the match. Sudharsan made his test debut last year and has played seven tests so far. He also impressed with his performance in IPL 2026, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer with eight fifties and one century. Representing the Gujarat Titans, he scored 722 runs in 17 games.

Padikkal has earned his spot in the test team with his brilliant performance in domestic cricket. He played a crucial role in Karnataka’s journey to the final. They ended as runners-up after losing to Jammu & Kashmir.

Speaking at the toss, Gill said, “We’re going to bat first. Very hot and humid here, so I think as the time goes by, the wicket is going to get slower and it’s going to get low. So those are things that we are looking to. We’ve got Manav Suthar making his debut for the first time.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.