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Devdutt Padikkal has opened up on the growing competition with Sai Sudharsan for India’s No.3 position in Test cricket after the end of Day 4 of the ongoing two-match Test series opener against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Sai suffered a minor injury before the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka. Sarfaraz Khan was added to the squad as his replacement. However, India picked Padikkal for the first Test in Galle.
And he made the most of the chance by scoring a brilliant 167 runs off 230 balls in the first innings. Amid this, Virat Kohli named captain of India’s all-time Test XI, Ravindra Jadeja snubbed.
Devdutt Padikkal breaks silence on fight with Sai Sudharsan over No.3 spot
The Karnataka batter then managed 44 runs in the second innings to make a strong case for the No. 3 spot. Well, Devdutt Padikkal admitted that Sai Sudharsan has been performing well for India and is a very talented batter when he was asked about the competition for the number three spot.
However, Padikkal kept his focus on the team rather than the competition. He said that whoever gets the chance at No. 3 must make the most of the opportunity and perform for India.
Devdutt Padikkal said at the press conference, “Sai has been doing well for us; very talented. Whoever gets that opportunity should do well.” Amid this, Dhruv Jurel RULED OUT? India batter forced off the field after taking blow in ankle during Galle Test.
Devdutt Padikkal opens up on his partnership with KL Rahul, hails Rishabh Pant’s Galle knock
He stitched a crucial unbeaten 151-run partnership with KL Rahul in the first innings to help India post a massive 462 runs on the board against Sri Lanka in Galle. Padikkal said that he enjoyed batting with his Karnataka teammate Rahul because they understand each other well.
The young batter further explained, “Batting with him is enjoyable; we have had long partnerships. We play well with each other; he understands my tempo. Such chemistry helps. We had to make sure to put pressure back on them with quick runs to establish control again.”
Meanwhile, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant played an attacking knock of 66 runs off 69 balls with the help of eight boundaries and two sixes when India needed it the most. Pant’s knock helped India to reach the respectable total of 193 runs in the second innings.
Praising the left-hander’s entertaining knock, Padikkal said, "Great entertainment; he produces moments. Puts them under pressure. Everyone is happy to have a player like him on the side.”
Devdutt Padikkal opens up on big technique change
Padikkal also revealed that he has worked hard on his batting technique to improve in red-ball cricket. He explained that his technique for white-ball cricket is different.
He signed off by saying, “Worked on a lot of things. Technique changes from white ball to red ball. I have a setup for the white ball, but it’s important to tighten with my hands being closer for the red ball. I have gotten better at it and hopefully can keep getting better.”
Devdutt Padikkal: Worked on lot of things. Technique changes from white ball to red ball. I have a setup for whiteball but its important to tighten with my hands being closer for the red ball. I have gotten better at it and hopefully can keep getting better
— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) August 18, 2026
On No.3 competition:… pic.twitter.com/jIxqrbwI9P
Well, India needs just six wickets on the final day to win the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. After India folded inside 200, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar, and Prasidh Krishna struck with key wickets on the tough surface, leaving Sri Lanka facing a record chase with only six wickets in hand on Day 5.
