Sai Sudharsan vs Devdutt Padikkal: India pick at No.3 gets a long rope

The number three position in Test cricket is sacred territory for the Indian cricket team. For decades, stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara have set the gold standard, demonstrating how a rock-solid anchor can sway the tides of a match. However, since Pujara’s departure, finding a suitable replacement has become a puzzling conundrum for the team management.

Shubman Gill, the current Test captain, initially took up the mantle after vacating his opening slot to Yashasvi Jaiswal. Still, demanding roles proved difficult to tame. In his 16 matches batting at number three, Gill managed 972 runs at a modest average of 37.38. Even though he scored three centuries and three fifties, consistency eluded him.

Gill only found his true rhythm after being named Test captain and moved into the iconic number four slot. His innings once again opened up a huge void at number three. While Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair were given opportunities, neither could cement the spot. Now, ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur, the race has narrowed down to two exciting young talents.

CONTINENTAL COMPETITORS

After a grueling domestic schedule and the Indian Premier League, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate indicated that the shootout for the coveted spot is underway between Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan.

Padikkal enters the frame on the back of a sensational all-format domestic season and a stellar IPL campaign. The elegant left-hander has amassed 543 runs at a staggering average of 60.33 in just six Ranji Trophy games.and mirrored that dominance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 309 runs at an average of 61. He carried that blistering form into the IPL and helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru defend their crown by chipping in with 464 runs at an average of 33.14, a strike rate of 168.72 and three decisive halves.

On the other hand, Sudharsan was in and out of the red ball setting. Although his initial stints at number three failed to ignite the scene, his immense potential keeps him firmly in the selectors’ plans, buoyed by a monster IPL 2026 campaign for Gujarat Titans. The young batsman enjoyed an exceptional season, amassing 722 runs in 17 matches at an average of 45.13 and a strike of 157.98, which included eight half-centuries and a brilliant top score of 100. He also enjoyed a productive run for Tamil Nadu in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, an incredible 19th century average of 3800.

A PLEDGE OF PATIENCE

With India desperate to consolidate their batting order for the World Test Championship cycle, Ten Doeschate admitted that the constant chopping and changing needs to stop. He promised that whoever gets the nod on Saturday will get his full support.

“Look, there’s been a lot of change in that place and it’s not ideal,” Ten Doeschate told a press conference in Mullanpur. “You have to look at the holder of that role and maybe stick to something. It’s a difficult position to bat in and a very important position to bat in.”

The assistant coach emphasized that both opponents are bringing great form to the camp, which is causing a lot of headaches for the management. More importantly, he ensured that the designated batsman would not have to play under the constant fear of the axe.

“I think whoever plays gets a bit of rope,” he added. “It’s quite difficult now with one Test match and then we don’t play a Test match for another two months. We have to factor that in but the main point is we want to make a decision and then trust the player to grow into that role.”

With the Test World Cup at critical points, however, the coach concluded with a firm reminder: “We don’t have time to put people to sleep.” The pressure is on and the long rope awaits.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

04 Jun 2026 15:24 IST