Devdutt Padikkal Secures India Test No. 3 Spot Amid Rising Pressure

Earth Insider Team

23 Aug, 2026

Devdutt Padikkal celebrating a century during a Test match to secure India's No. 3 batting spot.

Devdutt Padikkal India Test No 3 position has become the major talking point in Indian cricket following his recent stellar performances. Devdutt Padikkal has firmly cemented his position as India's Test No. 3 batsman following a stellar run of form in Sri Lanka, highlighted by scores of 167 in Galle and a subsequent century at the SSC.

How Devdutt Padikkal Claimed the Crucial No 3 Spot

Padikkal's impressive performances on the tour have drawn widespread acclaim, including backing from veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara, who praised the youngster's ability and stressed the importance of consistency at the crucial one-down position. During the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka, Padikkal continued his fine form by slamming consecutive tons, dictating proceedings for the Indian team despite partner Rishabh Pant having to retire hurt due to an injury.

His innings was eventually halted at 117 by bowler Keshara Nuwantha, but not before he had firmly established his credentials in the longest format of the game. The left-hander's back-to-back centuries have provided stability to the Indian batting lineup, solving a critical selection puzzle at No. 3. Selectors and team management will likely weigh these performances heavily as India looks to build a long-term Test squad. Padikkal's ability to convert starts into massive hundreds under subcontinental conditions underscores his readiness for prolonged international assignments.

Finding a reliable number three batsman is critical for any Test cricket team to stabilize the innings after an early loss of an opening wicket. Padikkal securing this position provides India with long-term stability and tactical confidence in the longest format of the game. The structural necessity for the Indian Test team to find a technically proficient, temperamentally sound successor at the crucial number three batting position follows legendary retirements.

Implications for the BCCI Test Squad and Future Matches

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection dynamics are shifting toward rewarding domestic weight-of-runs and high-pressure overseas or subcontinent resilience under contemporary team management. This performance yields enhanced market valuation and brand equity for Devdutt Padikkal, driving higher franchise interest in upcoming IPL auctions and boosting broadcasting viewership for bilateral Test series.

The projection of Indian soft power and sporting dominance in the subcontinent is visible as multi-format batting talent consistently overcomes away and spin-friendly conditions against regional rivals like Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the subtle mentorship and endorsement from stalwarts like Cheteshwar Pujara may be facilitating a smooth ideological shift in how India defines grit versus strokeplay at the critical one-drop position, mirroring Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara defining India's classical number three resilience over the past two decades.

Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 during the Galle Test match win.
Padikkal followed up with a consecutive century in the SSC Test against Sri Lanka.
Pundits and veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara publicly endorse Padikkal to permanently anchor India's Test No. 3 spot.

Analysts expect selectors and team management to back Padikkal for a sustained run at the number three spot following his back-to-back centuries in Sri Lanka.

Key Match Events and Verified Facts

Devdutt Padikkal scored 167 in the Galle Test match.
Padikkal scored a subsequent century at the SSC during the India vs Sri Lanka series.
Cheteshwar Pujara publicly backed Padikkal for the Number 3 position and sought consistency.
Rishabh Pant retired hurt after an injury during the second Test against Sri Lanka.
Keshara Nuwantha dismissed Devdutt Padikkal for 117 in the second Test.

Within the next 24 hours, continued discussion and media coverage will surround Devdutt Padikkal's consecutive test centuries and his cementing of the India Test No. 3 position following performances in Galle and SSC. Over the next 72 hours, further analysis from cricket pundits and former players will evaluate Padikkal's long-term prospects and consistency in the Indian Test batting lineup. Key players involved in this phase include Devdutt Padikkal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, and Keshara Nuwantha, impacting the Indian Cricket Team Batting Lineup and Test Match Series Strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Devdutt Padikkal perform in the Test series against Sri Lanka?

Devdutt Padikkal has cemented his spot as India's Test No. 3 with stellar performances, including a 167 in Galle followed by a consecutive century at the SSC. His impressive run of form has drawn widespread praise and highlighted his readiness for the longest format.

Why is Devdutt Padikkal cementing himself at No. 3 important for India?

Finding a reliable player at the crucial No. 3 position is vital for stability in India's batting lineup. Padikkal's consecutive tons provide long-term security and continuity following legendary predecessors in that slot.

What did Cheteshwar Pujara say about Devdutt Padikkal batting at Number 3?

Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara has thrown his support behind Padikkal taking over the Number 3 role. Pujara emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency as Padikkal establishes his career at this position.

Who was affected during the India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test match action?

During the match where Padikkal scored heavily, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant unfortunately had to retire hurt after sustaining an injury. This momentary disruption placed greater reliance on batters like Padikkal to anchor the innings.

What specific scores highlighted Devdutt Padikkal's recent success?

Padikkal's breakthrough sequence includes a magnificent 167 during the Galle Test win, complemented by another century at the SSC in the subsequent match. These back-to-back high-impact scores underline his technical proficiency and mental toughness.

What happens next for Devdutt Padikkal in India's Test squad?

Having secured consecutive centuries and high praise from experts, Padikkal is expected to retain the No. 3 spot for upcoming Test series. He will look to maintain this phenomenal momentum and solidify his place as a permanent fixture in the playing XI.

Conclusion

Devdutt Padikkal has successfully established his credentials as India's premier Test number three batsman through back-to-back centuries in Sri Lanka, including a 167 in Galle and a subsequent hundred at the SSC. Supported by veteran Cheteshwar Pujara and navigating disruptions such as Rishabh Pant retiring hurt, Padikkal's consistent run addresses a critical long-term selection need for the Indian Test squad. Selectors and team management are anticipated to back his continuation at the one-down position as future series and tactical preparations unfold.