Devdutt Padikkal may have given India an answer to a position that has been a problem for some time.
The Karnataka batter has scored 211 runs in the ongoing Galle Test against Sri Lanka. He made 167 in India’s first innings and followed it with 44 in the second.
His current match aggregate is just five runs short of Rahul Dravid’s record for an Indian No. 3 against Sri Lanka.
India have tried several batters at No. 3 in recent Tests, but Padikkal has made a strong case for himself.
His 167 came from 230 balls and showed that he can spend a long time at the crease. His second innings 44 off 75 balls was a different type of innings, with India looking to build a big target.
Padikkal has therefore shown that he can play according to the situation rather than relying only on his attacking game.
Padikkal’s 211 runs so far are the second highest match aggregate by an Indian No. 3 against Sri Lanka.
Dravid holds the record with 215 runs in the 2009 Ahmedabad Test, where he scored 177 and 38.
Padikkal needs only five more runs to move past that mark, although his opportunity to do so in this match has already ended after his dismissal for 44.
The bigger story is not the record. India have spent time trying different players at No. 3, a position that requires someone who can handle the new ball after an early wicket and also build a long innings.
Padikkal’s performance in Galle gives India a genuine option. The Karnataka batter has the technique, temperament and ability to score runs. Now the important part is giving him a proper run.
Padikkal is still a young player, but performances like this should earn him more opportunities. India do not need to keep changing their No. 3 every few Tests.
If the team believes Padikkal is good enough, they need to keep him at No. 3 and give him the time to develop there. The Galle Test is not finished yet, but Padikkal’s job is already done.
India may have spent months searching for their No. 3. The Karnataka star may have just given them the answer.
