AB de Villiers Backs Devdutt Padikkal for India’s Number Three Spot in Sri Lanka Tests
Ahead of India’s Test series against Sri Lanka, team management faces a key selection choice for the number three batting position between Devdutt Padikkal and Sarfaraz Khan, following an injury to Sai Sudharsan. Sharing his assessment on his YouTube channel, former South African captain AB de Villiers indicated a preference for Padikkal due to his technical solidity and left-handed batting profile.
What Happened
The vacancy at number three arose after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the entire Sri Lanka Test series because of an unhealed toe injury. In response, India’s team management is weighing two distinct options for the role: Devdutt Padikkal and Sarfaraz Khan.
Devdutt Padikkal bolstered his case during preparations by scoring an unbeaten 142 runs with 18 boundaries in a warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Weighing in on the options, AB de Villiers highlighted the contrasting profiles of both players, describing Sarfaraz as an aggressive, dynamic batter capable of turning games quickly, while endorsing Padikkal for his calm demeanour and ability to occupy the crease for long periods.
Key Highlights
- Sai Sudharsan has been ruled out of the entire Sri Lanka Test series due to an unhealed toe injury.
- Devdutt Padikkal and Sarfaraz Khan are the two primary contenders under consideration for the vacant number three spot.
- Padikkal scored an unbeaten 142 with 18 boundaries in a warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka Cricket XI.
- AB de Villiers expressed his leaning towards Padikkal, citing his solid technique, left-handed advantage on turning tracks, and composed temperament.
- De Villiers also noted that Sarfaraz Khan brings an exciting attacking option who hits into unusual areas and pressures opposing captains.
- Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable for the Test series against Sri Lanka.
- De Villiers pointed out that India need to win approximately eight of their remaining nine Test matches in the current World Test Championship standings.
Why This Matters
The strategic choice at number three comes as head coach Gautam Gambhir evaluates team balance and tactical combinations. De Villiers highlighted that fielding a left-hander like Padikkal provides right-left batting combinations, which can be particularly advantageous when facing spin bowling on turning wickets.
Furthermore, team composition is critical given the broader context of the World Test Championship cycle. With pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for the series, establishing stability and depth across the batting order becomes an important element in India’s pursuit of qualification points.
What to Watch Next
The Indian team management and head coach Gautam Gambhir will make their final decision on whether to field Padikkal’s defensive solidity or Sarfaraz’s attacking approach when the playing eleven is named for the opening Test against Sri Lanka.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is India looking for a new number three batter?
Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the entire Test series against Sri Lanka due to an unhealed toe injury, leaving the number three spot vacant.
Why does AB de Villiers favour Devdutt Padikkal for the position?
De Villiers highlighted Padikkal’s solid technique, calm temperament, ability to bat for long durations, and the tactical benefit of having a left-hander against spin on turning tracks.
How did Devdutt Padikkal perform in the warm-up match?
Padikkal scored an unbeaten 142 runs, including 18 boundaries, in a warm-up game against Sri Lanka Cricket XI.
Is Jasprit Bumrah playing in the Sri Lanka Test series?
No, Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable for the Test series against Sri Lanka.
Source: CricTracker