Team India‘s dominant 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the Galle Test, their 600th Test match, had one standout performer in Devdutt Padikkal. Drafted into the No. 3 position because of Sai Sudharsan‘s toe injury, Padikkal grabbed the opportunity with both hands and produced a match-defining performance. The left-hander accumulated 211 runs across the Test and announced himself with a maiden Test century, reaching three figures from just 134 balls on the opening day. On a slow, deteriorating surface that offered plenty of assistance to left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, Padikkal showed remarkable composure. At 6’3″, he used his reach and footwork intelligently, often staying deep in his crease and finding gaps square of the wicket.
Ravichandran Ashwin backs Devdutt Padikkal for No. 3 spot in New Zealand Tests
Padikkal’s impressive showing has now sparked an intriguing selection debate ahead of India’s tour of New Zealand in November 2026. While his place in the XI is not guaranteed, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes another strong performance in the ongoing Test series could make him extremely difficult to overlook.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin recalled Padikkal’s performance in India’s practice matches at the WACA ahead of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He felt the batter had looked particularly comfortable against fast bowling and possessed the time and technique required to handle quality pacers.
Ashwin suggested that if Padikkal continues to score heavily in the second Test against Sri Lanka, India could seriously consider him for the No. 3 role in New Zealand. The former spinner also pointed out that both Padikkal and Sudharsan could potentially fit into the same playing XI. However, if Sudharsan returns to full fitness, Ashwin believes the current momentum could work in Padikkal’s favour.
Ashwin suggested that if Padikkal continues to score heavily in the second Test against Sri Lanka, India could seriously consider him for the No. 3 role in New Zealand. Ashwin also highlighted another aspect of Padikkal’s value: his fielding. The former India cricketer described him as a reliable slip fielder and suggested that he could develop into a long-term option in the cordon, particularly when spinners are operating.
“When we played the practice games at the WACA (before the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy), Padikkal looked really, really comfortable. I feel like he is a batter who has a lot of time to play against pacers. Now, if he scores runs in the second Test, I think he will have to be the No.3 in New Zealand. It’s very difficult to keep him out. As of now, both of them can find a place in the playing XI, but I think if Sudharsan comes back, they will have to give the chance to Padikkal because of the way he has batted. The way Devdutt batted, especially on the back foot, and the way he used his feet and shuffled from back to front, was really good. He showed why there is value in spending time in the first-class system. He shaped up his skills there, and he exhibited those here in the Test. He is also a good slip fielder, I hope he gets to field at slip even for spinners. He can be a long-term solution in the slip cordon for spinners. He also has the temperament of Ajinkya Rahane. So, I really hope Devdutt goes from strength to strength because he is a damn good player,” said Ashwin.
The No. 3 selection dilemma for Team India
Padikkal’s 211-run match aggregate has certainly strengthened his case, but his selection for New Zealand is far from straightforward. His opportunity in Galle came primarily because Sudharsan, India’s regular No. 3, was unavailable due to injury. Indian selectors could naturally be inclined to restore Sudharsan once he is fit. However, Padikkal’s performance has made that decision considerably more complicated.
The biggest challenge for Padikkal will be proving that his success in Sri Lanka can translate to vastly different conditions in New Zealand. India’s upcoming tour is expected to feature greener surfaces, significant seam movement and steeper bounce, demanding a different approach from the batters.
For now, Sudharsan’s fitness and Padikkal’s performance in the remainder of the Sri Lanka series will be crucial. But after his spectacular Galle showing, Padikkal has ensured that India’s No. 3 debate is no longer a straightforward selection call.
