Padikkal Faces Increased Scrutiny in India’s No.3 Role
The No. 3 batting position in India’s Test cricket team has a special place in the country’s cricket history. Over the years, the position became strongly associated with great batters such as Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara. Both players were known for their patience, concentration and ability to play long innings, making the No. 3 spot one of the most important positions in India’s Test batting order.
For almost three decades, the position remained difficult to replace because of the consistency shown by these two batters. After Pujara retired, several players were given opportunities to take over the role. However, no one was able to establish themselves as a permanent choice.
Now, Devdutt Padikkal has emerged as a strong candidate for the position after making an impressive return to Test cricket. His comeback came after an absence of more than two years, but he quickly showed that he was ready for the challenge.
Padikkal made a strong impact during India’s Test series against Sri Lanka. In only his second Test match, he produced an outstanding innings of 167 runs. His knock played an important role in India’s victory by an innings and gave the team confidence in his ability to handle the demands of Test cricket.
He continued his good form in the following Test, scoring another century. Although that match ended in a draw, Padikkal’s performance once again showed his ability to score big runs and remain patient at the crease.
The young batter understands that playing at No. 3 comes with added responsibility because of the players who have occupied the position before him. Dravid and Pujara created a very high standard, and comparisons with them are almost unavoidable.
Padikkal, however, appears determined not to let that pressure affect him. He has said that his focus is simply on going out to bat, doing his best and contributing to the team’s success. Rather than trying to copy the players who came before him, he wants to build his own identity as a Test batter.
His recent performances have also affected India’s selection plans. Sai Sudharsan, who had been competing for opportunities in the batting order, has been pushed out of the playing combination for now. Padikkal’s strong performances have given the team management another reliable option in the middle order.
India’s upcoming schedule will provide Padikkal with more opportunities to prove himself. The team is set to face New Zealand before hosting Australia in a five-Test series. These matches will be important for Padikkal as he looks to establish himself as a regular member of India’s Test side.
Padikkal’s journey is also connected to one of the legends of the No. 3 position. Having grown up watching Rahul Dravid, he later had the opportunity to seek advice from him. Padikkal has spoken about how Dravid shared valuable lessons about batting and the mental strength needed to spend long periods at the crease.
According to Padikkal, Dravid’s guidance helped him understand the importance of preparation and having a clear plan before going out to bat. Test cricket requires a different level of patience and concentration compared with shorter formats, and these qualities can be especially important for a No. 3 batter.
Despite his impressive start, Padikkal knows that his place in the Indian team is not guaranteed. Test cricket demands consistency, and one or two good performances are not enough to secure a permanent position. With several talented batters competing for places, he will need to continue scoring runs whenever he gets an opportunity.
Padikkal has also made it clear that his immediate goal is straightforward: keep scoring runs and help India win matches. His recent performances have given him a strong start, but the busy home season ahead will provide a much bigger test of his consistency.
If he can continue producing important innings, Padikkal could establish himself as India’s long-term answer at No. 3. For now, he has taken an important first step by showing that he can handle the responsibility and pressure that come with one of the most historic positions in Indian Test cricket.