Devdutt Padikkal Earmarked for India’s Test No. 3 Spot: Ashwin Weighs In
A New Chapter for India’s Test Lineup
The landscape of Indian cricket is shifting. With the retirement of stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the Test format, the team has entered a transitional era under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. As the squad prepares for a rare one-off Test match against Afghanistan in June, focus has shifted to the persistent challenge of finding a permanent solution for the pivotal number 3 batting slot.
Ravichandran Ashwin Advocates for Padikkal
Ravichandran Ashwin has become a vocal supporter of Devdutt Padikkal’s return to the longest format. The veteran spinner believes that the RCB youngster has showcased the technical maturity required to anchor the innings at the highest level. Following a stellar IPL 2026 campaign, where Padikkal amassed 367 runs in 12 games at an aggressive strike rate of 172.30, his credentials have become difficult to ignore.
Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, emphasized that Padikkal’s evolution is not just about scoring runs but how he scores them. “I want Devdutt Padikkal to be India’s No. 3 in Test cricket. He has batted so well, and he deserves to be an incumbent Test player for India. He should be given a long-term chance,” the spinner remarked. Ashwin highlighted the technical adjustments in Padikkal’s game, noting his improved proficiency against spin bowling, marked by the proactive use of sweeps, reverse sweeps, and refined footwork.
The Battle for the Number 3 Spot
The current selection debate pits Padikkal against Sai Sudharsan, who was initially preferred for the role. Ashwin expressed skepticism regarding the rationale behind Sudharsan’s selection, suggesting that the preference was heavily influenced by his IPL 2025 Orange Cap performance rather than purely long-format merit. “Padikkal was the front runner in the race for the Test cricket team, but Sai Sudharsan surpassed him… Whether it is right or wrong, if you perform in IPL along with First-Class cricket, your selection becomes much easier,” Ashwin added.
However, the numbers tell a story of inconsistency. Sai Sudharsan has struggled to find his footing in the whites, averaging 27.45 across 11 Test innings. Conversely, Padikkal has demonstrated resilience and skill in the domestic circuit, notably scoring 543 runs in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season at an impressive average of 60.33, including two centuries.
Gambhir’s Backing and Future Outlook
Beyond Ashwin’s endorsement, there are reports that Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir holds Padikkal in high regard, viewing him as a top contender for the Test squad. While captain Shubman Gill has supported Sudharsan, the mounting pressure of poor performance figures may necessitate a change in strategy for the upcoming Afghanistan encounter.
Assessing the Path Forward
- Technical Growth: Padikkal has moved away from purely back-foot play, developing a more complete repertoire including sweeps and proactive footwork.
- Domestic Consistency: His Ranji Trophy form provides a solid foundation for a Test recall, offering a higher level of reliability than currently seen in the national lineup.
- Selection Dynamics: With the upcoming Test match falling outside the WTC cycle, the selectors face a unique opportunity to blood new talent and reward those with the best form, rather than relying on previous reputations.
As the BCCI prepares to announce the squad, the inclusion of Padikkal would signal a commitment to rewarding domestic performance and addressing the long-standing void at the top of the middle order. Whether the selectors opt for a fresh start with Padikkal or persist with the current setup remains to be seen, but the pressure to deliver in the one-off Test against Afghanistan will be the ultimate litmus test for whoever occupies the number three crease.
