Padikkal should be India’s No. 3 for New Zealand tour: Deep Dasgupta

Devdutt Padikkal‘s commanding performance in the Sri Lanka Test series has established him as the frontrunner for India’s No. 3 position during the upcoming New Zealand tour. The left-handed batter scored back-to-back centuries, including a commanding 167 in the first Test in Galle, where he was named Player of the Match as India secured a 165-run victory. His second century followed in the second Test in Colombo, taking his tally across the two-Test series to 328 runs and cementing his status as a key middle-order option.

Sai Sudharsan, who previously held the No. 3 slot, has been sidelined due to injury. Padikkal seized the opportunity and has now made a strong case for retaining the role in the next assignment.

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has weighed in on the selection debate, offering his assessment of both batters ahead of the New Zealand Tests.

Dasgupta’s endorsement reflects Padikkal’s technical improvements and consistency demonstrated in the Sri Lanka series. The batter’s ability to construct innings and adapt to different match situations has impressed observers. His Player of the Match award in Galle underscored his impact on India’s recovery from early setbacks in that Test.

“Devdutt Padikkal appeared very different from what he was a year, year and a half before. He has worked really hard on his game. His footwork has improved. His basic structure has changed a lot, and that is a huge positive,” Dasgupta said in a video on his YouTube channel.

“I think it’s a no-brainer that in the next Test in New Zealand, your first choice has to be Devdutt. Sai would have to wait. He’s got his chances. At this point in time, Devdutt has to be your number three,” he added.

Padikkal’s technical improvements impress Dasgupta

Padikkal’s transformation over the past 18 months has been marked by significant refinement in his approach. His footwork improvements and structural changes at the crease have made him a more reliable option in challenging conditions. The batter’s recent performances have given the Indian team management a dependable choice in the middle order for the demanding New Zealand conditions ahead.

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Sudharsan will need to wait for his opportunity to return to the Test squad once he recovers from injury. The selection battle at No. 3 appears settled for the immediate future based on current form and availability.

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