Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal? Gambhir reveals India’s No.3 in Afghanistan Test

India coach Gautam Gambhir has tipped Sai Sudharsan ahead of Devdutt Padikkal for the upcoming Test match against Afghanistan starting on June 6. Gambhir said that Sudharsan has no chance to perform at the venue.

India started using Sudharsan at number three during the tour of England last year and he did not impress much with the bat. He scored 302 runs in six matches at an average of 27.45. India mixed a lot with the role like Karun Nair and Washington Sundar since then.

Speaking to reporters, as quoted by PTI, Gambhir said that Sudharsan is in great form in the IPL and he cannot be judged on just a few games.

“Sai Sudharsan has not been given a fair chance. He has played mostly in England and I believe he needs to be given a fair chance,” Gambhir told reporters.

“We can (only) pick 11 (players) and Sai is not in bad form. He has scored 700 runs in IPL. If we judge Sai based on 4-5 games, we will never be able to build anything,” he added.

Padikkal has been in great form on the domestic circuit, scoring 543 runs in six matches at an average of 60.33.

INDIA HAS 4 TURN ON SL TOUR

The draw for the next place will be between Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey for the third option spinner in the team. Gambhir said the management’s aim will be to have four spinners ready for the tour of Sri Lanka in August this year.

“Manav and Harsh are similar to some extent but they are also different in terms of release points. This match gives us a chance to determine our fourth spinner as we will be taking four spinners in Sri Lanka,” he said.

“When we go to New Zealand, we will have to prepare differently. So we will bring out some ODI regulars who play Tests. We understand that we have to prepare better for Tests,” Gambhir added.

India and Afghanistan will play in a one-off Test starting on June 6.

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Published on:

June 5, 2026 12:35 PM IST