3 reasons why India should pick Devdutt Padikkal over Sai Sudharsan in IND vs AFG one-off test
The IND vs AFG one-off test will start on June 6.
Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal played against each other in the recently concluded Indian Premier League 2026, where they also clashed in the final.
In IPL 2026, Sudharsan scored 722 runs at an average of 45 and a best strike rate of 158. Meanwhile, Padikkal scored 464 runs with a strike rate of nearly 170. Moreover, Devdutt went on to be on the winning side of the league.
After the IPL, India will play a Test match against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh from 6th June. Both Sai and Devdutt are part of the 15-member squad named for the match. Below we look at why Devdutt Padikkal should be given the green signal ahead of Sai Sudharsan for the one-off Test.
Ranji success with the Bat and Captaincy
Padikkal led the Karnataka side to their 15th Ranji Trophy final. He scored 532 runs at a staggering average of 66.5 in 6 matches. His 232 runs in the semi-final against Uttarakhand sealed Karnataka’s berth in the final. His 120 runs off 85 deliveries against Punjab chasing 250-odd was truly a captain’s knock.
He was handed over the captaincy, replacing Mayank Agarwal, mid-way through the season. Being given the captaincy role ahead of a must-win game against Punjab, Padikkal ensured a win with his stellar batting performance.
Sudharsan couldn’t seize the moment
Sai Sudharsan was selected in the Test side ahead of the India tour of England 2025. He has played 6 matches at No. 3, the most important position in Test cricket, but has failed to cement his place so far.
His underwhelming performance in the England series and the home season makes India continue their search for a befitting No. 3.
India have tried Sudharsan, Karun Nair, and even Washington Sundar at this position but have not been satisfied with their performances. This highlights the uncertainty around the position.
Domestic numbers and experience strengthen Padikkal’s case
Devdutt Padikkal has played 54 first-class matches, with an average of 42 and has scored more than 3,600 runs. Meanwhile, Sai has played 39 matches, averaging under 40.
In the 2025-26 domestic season, Padikkal scored more than 700 runs, averaging 90 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 532 runs with 66.5 average in the Ranji Trophy with crucial knocks in the knockouts.
Devdutt has played only two Test matches for India. His performances in domestic cricket over the past year and the clarity with which he has channelled his new-age aggression have made him a strong contender for the No. 3 spot. His consistent, well-planned and impressive performances should earn him a regular spot in the Test team.
India will play 10 Test matches in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, including away tours to New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home next year.
When will the IND vs AFG Test match start?
The encounter will start on June 6.
What is the venue of the IND vs AFG one-off Test?
The venue of the match is Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
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Cricket runs in the blood of Indians — and that’s something she truly believes in. A law student with a lifelong connection to the game, she has followed cricket passionately since his school days. Like countless young fans, she first experienced the sport on the field before deepening his understanding through constant watching, reading, and conversations around the game. Writing became a natural extension of that passion, bringing a “Pavilion Perspective” to his work — capturing how fans experience matches through their own lens.