Devdutt Padikkal Emerges as India’s New No. 3 After Sri Lanka Test Heroics
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala
- Aug 29, 2026
- 170
Devdutt Padikkal has made a powerful case to become India’s long-term No. 3 batter after a sensational Test series against Sri Lanka, scoring 328 runs in three innings with two consecutive centuries and winning the Player of the Series award.
India may finally have a strong solution to one of its most persistent batting problems. Devdutt Padikkal's outstanding performances in the recently concluded Sri Lanka Test series have placed the Karnataka left-hander firmly at the centre of the debate over who should occupy the crucial No. 3 position.
Padikkal finished the two-Test series with 328 runs at an average of 109.33, including scores of 167 in Galle and 117 in Colombo. His consistency across the series earned him the Player of the Series honour as India secured a 1-0 series victory.
Padikkal Makes No. 3 Position His Own
The timing of Padikkal's breakthrough is significant. India has been searching for stability at No. 3 since Cheteshwar Pujara's departure from Test cricket in 2023.
Several players have been tested in the role since then, including Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan. Before the Sri Lanka series, India had tried as many as seven batsmen at No. 3.
Padikkal entered the Sri Lanka squad after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out because of injury. Rather than simply filling a vacant position, however, the 26-year-old transformed the opportunity into a statement of intent.
His first major contribution came in Galle, where he scored 167 during India's 165-run victory. He followed that performance with another century in Colombo, making 117 in the second Test.
Two Centuries Change India’s No. 3 Debate
Padikkal's consecutive hundreds have significantly strengthened his claim for a regular place in India's Test XI.
The Colombo century came after his 167 in Galle, making this his first Test series in which he played every match. His overall numbers—328 runs from three innings at 109.33—underline how effectively he converted an unexpected opportunity into a major international breakthrough.
His performances have also drawn praise from former India players. Ajinkya Rahane recently said Padikkal had done enough to temporarily secure the No. 3 position, although he also warned that the batter would face another test when India take on New Zealand.
Padikkal’s Success Against Spin
One of the most encouraging aspects of Padikkal's Sri Lanka campaign was his ability to counter spin.
Indian batters have traditionally been expected to attack spinners with a strong front-foot game. Padikkal, however, has shown that he is comfortable using the back foot against length deliveries.
His height, reach and ability to play cuts, punches and pulls have allowed him to create scoring opportunities even when spinners have maintained a testing length.
That method proved particularly useful in Sri Lankan conditions, where controlling spin was one of the central challenges for India's batting lineup.
Strong Domestic Season Prepared Padikkal
Padikkal's Test breakthrough did not come without warning. His performances in domestic cricket had already strengthened his case for another opportunity at international level.
He accumulated 812 runs in the 2025-26 first-class season, including a 150 against Australia A and a double century in the Ranji Trophy semi-final. His domestic form helped him earn selection as batting cover for India's Sri Lanka tour.
He also scored a century in the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI before the Test series, further strengthening his case for selection at No. 3.
IPL Experience Added to His Confidence
Padikkal's development has also been shaped by his IPL career.
He made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2020 and immediately attracted attention, scoring 473 runs during his first season and receiving the Emerging Player of the Year award.
He later represented Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants before returning to RCB. His recent IPL form has coincided with RCB's success, with Padikkal contributing to consecutive title-winning campaigns in 2025 and 2026.
That combination of domestic first-class cricket and high-pressure T20 experience has given Padikkal a broad competitive background ahead of his latest Test opportunity.
From Test Struggles to Sri Lanka Breakthrough
Padikkal's Test journey has not been straightforward.
He made his Test debut against England in 2024 and scored 65 in his first innings. His subsequent opportunities were limited, and the Australia tour in 2024-25 produced scores of 0 and 25.
Also Read
West Tripura SIR 2026: Voter List Revision Starts September 5
The Sri Lanka series therefore represented a major turning point.
After waiting for another opportunity, Padikkal responded with two hundreds and a Player of the Series performance. His success has now transformed him from a player competing for a place into one of the strongest candidates for a permanent role.
India’s Search for Pujara’s Successor
Pujara was one of India's most dependable No. 3 batters and scored 6,529 runs in 155 innings at that position during his Test career.
Finding a player capable of providing similar stability has proved difficult since his departure. Padikkal's recent performances, however, give India genuine reason for optimism.
His ability to play long innings, counter spin and score through a variety of shots makes him an intriguing option for the role.
The Sri Lanka series may therefore prove to be the moment when India's prolonged search for a No. 3 batter finally moved toward a solution.
For now, Padikkal has done everything possible to strengthen his case. The next challenge will be turning this exceptional Sri Lanka series into sustained success in India's Test middle order.
For the latest Cricket, India, Northeast, Tripura, National and International news, follow The Tripura Post — your trusted digital news destination for breaking news, sports, business, politics and exclusive reports.