Devdutt Padikkal Backed for India No. 3 Test Role Ahead of Afghanistan Clash

A New Chapter for India’s Test Lineup

The upcoming one-off Test match between India and Afghanistan serves as a curious outlier in the international cricket calendar. Falling outside the World Test Championship cycle and sandwiched between the conclusion of the IPL and the next international window, it presents a unique opportunity for the BCCI selectors to experiment. With the potential for senior players to be rested, the focus has shifted entirely to the next generation, specifically regarding who will anchor the team at the crucial No. 3 position.

Ashwin’s Strong Endorsement

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has become one of the most vocal proponents for Devdutt Padikkal. Following the RCB batter’s electric performance in the 2026 IPL season—where he amassed 367 runs at a blistering strike rate of 172.30—Ashwin believes the time is right to give the left-hander a sustained run in the longest format.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted the technical evolution in Padikkal’s game. “I want Devdutt Padikkal to be India’s No. 3 in Test cricket,” Ashwin noted. “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 emphasized that Padikkal has moved beyond relying solely on back-foot play, now effectively incorporating sweep shots and proactive footwork to dismantle spin bowling.

The Battle for the No. 3 Spot

The conversation surrounding the No. 3 spot has been complicated by the selection of Sai Sudharsan. Ashwin expressed some reservations regarding the transition following the retirement of legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While acknowledging Sudharsan’s talent, Ashwin questioned the selection criteria, suggesting that the latter’s rise was heavily influenced by his success in the IPL, specifically his Orange Cap win in 2025.

“Padikkal was the front runner in the race for the Test cricket team, but Sai Sudharsan surpassed him. How did he get that opportunity?” Ashwin asked. The performance metrics back up the skepticism; Sudharsan has struggled to find consistency in the Test arena, averaging 27.45 over 11 innings. This underperformance has reignited the discourse on whether the team management should pivot back to the more technically refined and recently prolific Padikkal.

Gambhir’s Backing and the Road Ahead

It is not just former teammates who are impressed. Reports indicate that head coach Gautam Gambhir is a significant admirer of Padikkal’s temperament and skill set. While Shubman Gill has been a supporter of Sudharsan’s development, the sheer volume of runs produced by Padikkal in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season makes him impossible to ignore. Scoring 543 runs at an average of 60.33, including two centuries, the RCB star has proven his pedigree in red-ball cricket.

Padikkal’s brief Test experience—having already played two matches for India in 2024—provides a foundation to build upon. With 90 runs in three Test innings, including a half-century, he has demonstrated that he possesses the patience and technique required for the international level. As the selectors finalize the squad for the Afghanistan Test, the pressure is mounting to reward current domestic form.

Why Consistency Matters

• Technical Growth: Padikkal’s improved ability to play spin with sweep and reverse sweep shots makes him a versatile weapon in Asian conditions.
• Domestic Form: A stellar Ranji Trophy season demonstrates that he is not just an IPL specialist but a genuine long-format talent.
• Strategic Shift: With India entering a transitional era, identifying a stable No. 3 is the top priority for long-term success.

As the date for the squad announcement approaches, all eyes will be on whether the management prioritizes the proven domestic consistency of Padikkal or continues to invest in the potential of Sudharsan. Regardless of the outcome, the fact that Padikkal has forced his way back into the national conversation through sheer weight of runs is a testament to his growth as a cricketer.