Ajinkya Rahane Backs Devdutt Padikkal for India’s No. 3 Spot

Devdutt Padikkal made a strong statement during India’s Test series against Sri Lanka, earning the Player of the Series award after an outstanding run with the bat. His performances have now received praise from former India batter Ajinkya Rahane, who believes Padikkal has temporarily established himself at No. 3.

Padikkal was drafted into India’s Test squad after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out with an injury. Having already enjoyed an impressive domestic season with Karnataka, the left-hander carried that form into international cricket and made the most of his opportunity.

Across three innings in the Sri Lanka series, Padikkal accumulated 328 runs at an average of 109.33. His campaign included two centuries and a highest score of 167, making him one of India’s most consistent performers across the two Tests.

Rahane says Padikkal has temporarily sealed No. 3 spot

Rahane was particularly impressed by the authority with which Padikkal approached his opportunity. The former India batter believes the performances have earned the Karnataka batter a temporary place at No. 3, although he warned that the upcoming New Zealand tour will present a completely different challenge.

“I think he has temporarily sealed the No.3 spot. This is his own hard work, and I am happy with his performance. When they go to New Zealand, the conditions will be different, and preparation will have to be different. But for now, we can celebrate these two centuries,” Rahane said on his Hindi YouTube channel.

The reference to New Zealand is significant because India’s batters will have to adapt to conditions that can offer more assistance to seam and swing bowling. Padikkal’s ability to transfer his current form into those conditions could play an important role in determining whether he retains his position.

Padikkal’s domestic form laid the foundation

Padikkal’s breakthrough in international cricket did not come unexpectedly. The batter had already produced strong numbers in domestic competitions for Karnataka, giving the selectors a compelling reason to consider him when an opportunity opened up.

During the Ranji Trophy season, Padikkal scored 543 runs in six matches and 10 innings at an average of 60.33. His campaign included two centuries and a fifty, with his most notable innings being a marathon 232 off 330 balls against Uttarakhand in the semifinal.

He was even more productive in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Padikkal finished as the competition’s second-highest run-scorer after collecting 725 runs in nine innings at an average of 90.62. His tally included four centuries and two fifties.

That consistency across formats strengthened his case for an international recall and eventually allowed him to step into India’s Test setup.

Rahane praises Padikkal’s batting intent

Beyond the number of runs scored, Rahane highlighted the manner in which Padikkal approached his innings. Batting at No. 3 requires a player to balance aggression with an understanding of the match situation, and Rahane felt the left-hander managed that responsibility effectively.

“The way Padikkal batted in both games, one thing was visible that how you look to dominate bowlers while playing at number three, and he did that. Scoring back-to-back hundreds is not easy,” Rahane said.

Rahane also pointed towards Padikkal’s decisiveness and wide range of shots. According to the former India batter, the youngster did not simply accumulate runs but demonstrated the intent required to establish himself in the middle order.

“It is always important to be decisive as a batter, and he showed that. The intent was there. He had all the shots. He got the opportunity, and he presented his case by batting with authority and the way he scored runs. He read the situation well,” Rahane added.

New Zealand tour will provide a bigger test

Despite Padikkal’s outstanding numbers in Sri Lanka, Rahane believes the upcoming assignment in New Zealand will provide a much stronger examination of his technique and adaptability.

The change in conditions means Padikkal will need to adjust his preparation and batting approach. Success in New Zealand would strengthen his claim to remain India’s first-choice No. 3, while a difficult series could reopen the competition for the position.

For now, however, Padikkal has done everything expected of him. Two centuries, 328 runs and the Player of the Series award have given him a strong foundation as India prepare for their next Test challenge.

Rahane’s assessment therefore offers both praise and perspective: Padikkal has earned his opportunity through consistent performances, but his place is not necessarily permanent. The New Zealand tour could be the next major step in establishing himself as a long-term member of India’s Test batting lineup.