Devdutt Padikkal in Contention for India No. 3 Test Spot vs Afghanistan
A New Chapter for the Indian Test Team
With India gearing up for a high-profile one-off Test match against Afghanistan this June, the team selection process has become a hotbed of discussion. While the match falls outside the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, it represents a pivotal opportunity for the selectors to blood new talent and provide rest to senior players, particularly given the tight scheduling proximity to the IPL final. Among the many positions under scrutiny, the number three spot—a role once anchored by greats—remains the most debated.
The Case for Devdutt Padikkal
Former Indian spinner and cricket analyst Ravichandran Ashwin has become a vocal advocate for RCB’s young talent, Devdutt Padikkal. Following an exceptional IPL 2026 season where the left-hander amassed 367 runs in just 12 games at a staggering strike rate of 172.30, his claims for a Test recall have become impossible to ignore.
Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, emphasized that Padikkal’s development has been transformative. “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,” Ashwin remarked.
Evolution of Technique
The veteran spinner highlighted that Padikkal has evolved significantly from his early days. He is no longer just a back-foot player against spin; he has integrated proactive measures like the reverse sweep and increased footwork into his arsenal. Ashwin even noted a subtle “Dinesh Karthik-like” influence in his proactive approach to dismantling spin attacks. This versatility is exactly what selectors look for when scouting for long-term Test specialists.
The Rivalry: Padikkal vs. Sai Sudharsan
The path to the national side has not been without its hurdles. Following the transition period after the departures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the mantle of leadership has passed to Shubman Gill. Initially, the team management favored Sai Sudharsan for the number three role. Ashwin, however, has questioned the logic behind this preference, noting that while Sudharsan is a talent, his selection appeared to be heavily influenced by his IPL 2025 Orange Cap success rather than purely consistent Test pedigree.
The statistics reflect the current tension in the selection room:
- Sai Sudharsan: Has struggled in the longest format, scoring 302 runs in 11 Test innings at an average of 27.45.
- Devdutt Padikkal: Scored 543 runs in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season at an average of 60.33, including two centuries and a fifty.
While Sudharsan has the backing of captain Shubman Gill, his inconsistent run of form has opened the door for Padikkal to reclaim his spot.
Gambhir’s Backing and the Road Ahead
Beyond Ashwin’s endorsement, reports suggest that Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir holds Padikkal in high regard. As the team looks to move past recent experimental phases, Gambhir’s preference for proven domestic success—evidenced by Padikkal’s consistent Ranji Trophy output—could be the decisive factor.
Padikkal, who has already tasted Test cricket with two appearances in 2024, is currently the frontrunner according to recent internal feedback. With 90 runs in his three previous Test innings and a fifty to his name, he possesses the foundation to build upon. As the BCCI prepares to announce the squad for the Afghanistan clash, all eyes will be on whether the selectors choose to pivot toward form and technical evolution or stick with the previous regime’s choices.
The Afghanistan Test serves as more than just a fixture; it is a proving ground. For Padikkal, it is a chance to prove that he is not just an IPL sensation, but a red-ball stalwart in the making. Cricket fans across the nation wait to see if the selectors will heed the advice of legends and data alike to usher in this promising new era at the number three position.
