Has Devdutt Padikkal done enough to earn a place back in India’s Test squad? The RCB batter has once again impressed with the bat, and his performances for India A have brought him back into the selection discussion.
Padikkal has been one of India A’s best performers in the ongoing unofficial Test series against Sri Lanka A.
After scoring 67 in the second innings of the first unofficial Test, the left hander followed it up with a well made 94.
He missed out on a century by just six runs, but the innings once again highlighted his ability to play long knocks in red ball cricket.
He also shared a crucial 182 run partnership with Sai Sudharsan to put India A in a strong position.
These performances have come at an important time. Padikkal has not played a Test for India since the Perth Test against Australia in 2024.
Since then, competition for places in the batting line up has become tougher, with several young players making strong performances.
But if a batter continues to score runs in domestic cricket and performs consistently for India A, shouldn’t those performances be rewarded?
India A tours have often been seen as the final step before a Test call up, and Padikkal has certainly taken his opportunity. The selectors now have a big decision to make.
Have these back to back knocks done enough to earn him another chance in the Indian Test team? Or will he have to wait longer despite his impressive performances?
The answers will come when the next Test squad is announced, but for now, Devdutt Padikkal has made a strong case for a return.
