A New Era for Indian Test Cricket
The landscape of Indian Test cricket is evolving rapidly. Following the departures of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the side has entered a transition phase under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. As India prepares to host Afghanistan in a one-off Test match this June, the focus has shifted toward solidifying the middle order, particularly the critical number three position. While the fixture falls outside the World Test Championship cycle, it presents a golden opportunity for selectors to experiment with the squad.
Ravichandran Ashwin Leads the Call for Padikkal
Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has become a vocal advocate for the inclusion of Devdutt Padikkal in the Test setup. Padikkal, who has enjoyed a prolific IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is being touted as the ideal candidate for the number three role. Ashwin, reflecting on his time playing alongside the left-hander, noted a significant evolution in the batter’s technique.
“I want Devdutt Padikkal to be India’s No. 3 in Test cricket. He has batted so well, and he deserves to be an incumbent Test player for India. He should be given a long-term chance,” Ashwin remarked on his YouTube channel. The spinner highlighted that Padikkal has moved beyond relying solely on back-foot play, now incorporating sophisticated sweeps and reverse sweeps into his arsenal. Ashwin even suggested that Padikkal’s proactive approach against spin draws parallels to the style of Dinesh Karthik.
The Battle for the Spot: Padikkal vs. Sudharsan
The number three position has been a point of contention. Previously, the team management opted for Sai Sudharsan. Ashwin, however, questioned the logic behind this selection, suggesting that while Sudharsan is talented, his elevation may have been driven by his status as an IPL Orange Cap winner rather than consistent long-form merit. Ashwin noted, “Padikkal was the front runner in the race for the Test cricket team, but Sai Sudharsan surpassed him. Whether it is right or wrong, if you perform in IPL along with First-Class cricket, your selection becomes much easier.”
Statistically, the pressure is mounting on Sudharsan, who has managed 302 runs in 11 Test innings at an average of 27.45. Conversely, Padikkal has shown remarkable consistency in the domestic circuit, accumulating 543 runs in 10 innings during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season at an impressive average of 60.33, featuring two centuries.
Support from the Coaching Staff
Beyond the endorsement from Ashwin, reports indicate that head coach Gautam Gambhir is also a firm believer in Padikkal’s potential. Gambhir is understood to rate the young batter very highly, viewing him as a long-term prospect for the Test team. While captain Shubman Gill has shown support for Sudharsan, the combination of poor international returns for the incumbent and Padikkal’s domestic dominance suggests that a change in the batting order could be imminent.
Why This Test Matters
With the gap between the conclusion of the IPL and the upcoming Test match being relatively short, the selection committee is likely to prioritize fitness and form. Rest periods for senior players could pave the way for new faces to establish their credentials on the international stage. For Devdutt Padikkal, who has already tasted Test cricket with two appearances in 2024, this potential call-up is more than just a debut; it is an audition to cement his role as a staple in India’s red-ball future.
As the BCCI prepares to announce the squad, all eyes will be on whether the management leans toward the high-ceiling potential of Padikkal or continues to back the current incumbents. Regardless of the outcome, the conversation surrounding the number three spot highlights the depth of talent currently available in the Indian domestic system and the high standards expected for the national team.