Should Devdutt Padikkal replace Sai Sudharsan as India’s permanent No. 3 in Tests?
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Devdutt Padikkal played a magical innings for India in both SL vs IND Tests.
The Indian Cricket Team is entering an important phase in Test cricket as the team looks to build a strong side for the coming years. With several young batters getting opportunities, the team management has started looking at players who can take important positions in the batting order.
The No.3 position is one such spot that needs special attention. It comes immediately after the opening pair and often requires a batter who can handle both a new situation and long spells of pressure. India have been looking for a settled option in this position after changes in the Test batting order.
The ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka is another chance for India to assess its options. The series is also important from the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 point of view, with India needing consistent results to stay in the race for the final.
India’s recent Test plans have also given opportunities to younger players. Sai Sudharsan had started making his case for the No.3 position, but his injury has now opened the door for another left-handed batter, Devdutt Padikkal.
Devdutt Padikkal makes strong case with his impressive performances in SL vs IND Tests
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Devdutt Padikkal has given the team management something to think about with his performance in the practice game against Sri Lanka. The left-hander scored an unbeaten 142 runs, putting together an impressive performance to get his position in the Playing XI.
The knock was important because it came at a time when Sudharsan got ruled out of the series, and India needed another option for the No.3 position. Padikkal looked comfortable against spin and showed the kind of patience needed in red-ball cricket
This made him book his spot in the Indian XI for the first SL vs IND Test. However, it didn’t take him much to assert his authority. The left-hander looked in sublime form right from the start as he hit elegant boundaries, and put opposition under pressure. Padikkal first hit a flawless half-century, and then converted it into century. In the same game, he played another vital innings and won Player of the Match.
If this was not enough, Padikkal then followed it up with another century in the second Test. He is the highest run-getter in the series, and surely has put a strong case forward for him.
Devdutt Padikkal vs Sai Sudharsan: Who has the edge?
On current form, Padikkal certainly has momentum on his side. His 142-run practice match knock, and a century at Galle and Colombo surely has put his case forward.
Sudharsan, meanwhile, has already been part of India’s plans for the No.3 role. His previous performances and the confidence he has shown by team management cannot be ignored simply because he has missed this series through injury.
However, with Padikkal fixing his position in the XI, the debate over India’s permanent No.3 has become even more interesting.
Who is India’s No.3 option in tests right now?
Devdutt Padikkal is one of the leading options after Sai Sudharsan’s injury opened up the position.
Is Sai Sudharsan still India’s long-term plan?
Yes. His injury has opened the opportunity for Padikkal, but Sai Sudharsan remains an option for India’s Test batting setup.
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