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The Shubman Gill-led India National Cricket Team is set to kick off their crucial two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on August 15 in Galle, and Devdutt Padikkal is expected to get a big opportunity. Ahead of the Test series opener, Ajinkya Rahane feels Devdutt Padikkal can cement his position in India’s Test XI at the crucial number three with his batting ability.
Padikkal is likely to take the No. 3 spot after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka because a right big-toe stress injury that he sustained during the India A tour. Amid this, Dhruv Jurel gets ultimatum from Indian team management before Sri Lanka Tests.
Devdutt Padikkal’s strong domestic run and current form boosts his Test chances
Devdutt Padikkal played only four matches for India, with the last appearance being in the first Test against Australia in Perth during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Since then, the 26-year-old has worked hard in domestic cricket and has been scoring plenty of runs across the formats. The left-handed batter recently showed a glimpse of his form by smashing an unbeaten 142 in India's warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI.
His 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season was also impressive. Padikkal scored 543 runs in six matches at an average of more than 60. And the recently-retired Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane feels the conditions in Sri Lanka could also suit Padikkal’s batting, especially against spin.
Ajinkya Rahane backs Devdutt Padikkal to succeed in Sri Lanka
Rahane warned the Karnataka batter against the early madness, as once Padikkal settles, he has several options against spin, including the cut, sweep, and stepping out of the crease. Earlier, Morne Morkel gives verdict on Kuldeep Yadab before 1st SL Test.
Ajinkya Rahane said in a video on his YouTube channel: “The Sri Lankan conditions will suit him (Devdutt Padikkal) really well. He just needs to overcome the initial phase because he will bat at No. 3. Once he is set, he has the complete arsenal against spin off the front and back foot. Being proactive will be very important at No. 3. If the No. 3 batter gives the first counterpunch, the team can dominate the game.”
The former Indian Test vice-captain added, “Padikkal has been in outstanding form. He has been in great rhythm everywhere across formats. It will be important for him to trust his form and rhythm and not put pressure on himself. He knows how to score runs and can play the cut, sweep, and step out against the spinners.”
Ajinkya Rahane says India cannot take Sri Lanka lightly.
Rahane has also warned Shubman Gill and his team not to become too comfortable because of their strong record against Sri Lanka. India have won their last four Test series against Sri Lanka and have not lost a Test series against them since 2008.
Still, the current ICC World Test Championship situation makes the upcoming Sri Lanka Test series very important. They are currently fifth in the WTC 2025-27 points table, so every Test win matters. A 2-0 series victory would give India a big boost in the race for the WTC final.
Rahane said, “India should not think of the WTC points and take Sri Lanka lightly. They have to first see how to win the first Test and then think about a 2-0 win entering the second Test. Identifying and dominating the crucial moments will decide the series. This will be a closely contested series because Sri Lanka is also hungry to perform well in Tests. I feel this series will not be one-sided.”
