Devdutt Padikkal refuses to look too far ahead amid India’s No.3 competition

Devdutt Padikkal’s return to India’s Test side was not part of the original plan. The left-hander got his opportunity only after Sai Sudharsan, India’s preferred No.3, was ruled out of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka with a toe injury. Padikkal, who had not played a Test since 2024, was brought back into the XI for the opening Test in Galle.

But the 26-year-old has made sure the opportunity has not gone unnoticed. Before the Test, Padikkal struck an unbeaten 142 against Sri Lanka XI in the warm-up game in Colombo. He then carried that form into Galle, producing a superb 167 in the first innings, his maiden Test century.

SL vs IND, 1st Test Day 4: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD

Padikkal was equally valuable in India’s second innings, making 44 as the visitors set Sri Lanka a daunting target of 362. His performances have inevitably raised questions about what happens when Sudharsan returns, but Padikkal is not getting carried away by the prospect of securing a long run at No.3.

“I don’t think those kinds of conversations (long run at No.3) take place. It’s important that whenever you get that opportunity, you have to take it. I don’t really go looking for those conversations,” Padikkal said after the fourth day’s play.

PADIKKAL LETS PERFORMANCE DO THE TALKING

The Karnataka batter’s immediate focus remains on making the most of every opportunity rather than worrying about selection battles.

“I don’t really put too much emphasis on getting a run of games or things like that because in modern-day cricket, you cannot really expect those kinds of things. It’s a highly result-driven business. Whenever you go out there, you are expected to perform,” he said.

“If you are not doing that, you are always on the line in terms of your performance, your job or whatever it may be. I think for me, whenever I go out there, I try to score runs. If I am doing that, I am sure I will play more games.”

Padikkal’s approach has already produced impressive results in Galle. India finished their first innings on 462 before Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284. The visitors then made 193 in their second innings, setting Sri Lanka a mammoth target.

At the close of Day 4, Sri Lanka were 84 for four, leaving them 288 runs short of the target with six wickets in hand. India are firmly in control heading into the final day and are within touching distance of taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

– Ends