Ajinkya Rahane Backs Devdutt Padikkal to Retain No. 3 Spot for 2nd Test

Ajinkya Rahane has backed Devdutt Padikkal to retain his place at No. 3 when India face Sri Lanka in the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo on Sunday, August 23.

Padikkal grabbed his opportunity after coming into the Indian team in place of Sai Sudharsan. The left-handed batter made an immediate impact, scoring 167 in the first innings before adding a valuable 44 in the second.

His performance has strengthened his case for another appearance in the playing XI, although Rahane believes Padikkal cannot afford to take his position for granted.

Rahane Predicts Padikkal Will Continue at No. 3

According to Rahane, India are likely to retain Padikkal at No. 3 for the second Test. The former India batter pointed out that the youngster has done enough in Galle to deserve another opportunity.

Rahane also highlighted the competition from Sai Sudharsan, who remains a quality option for India’s batting lineup. However, Sudharsan’s relative lack of Test experience could work in Padikkal’s favour for the upcoming match.

“For now, yes. I feel he will play at number three,” Rahane said in a video on his Hindi YouTube channel.

At the same time, Rahane warned that no player can take their place in India’s XI for granted. He suggested that Padikkal himself will be aware that consistent performances are essential to remain in the side.

The former batter explained that if an established senior player had been dropped and Padikkal had performed in their place, the senior player could have immediately returned once available. In the current situation, however, Padikkal’s impressive debut gives him a strong claim.

Devdutt Padikkal’s 167 Gives India a Major Positive

Padikkal’s maiden Test century was one of the biggest positives from India’s opening Test victory. His 167 helped India build a commanding position and demonstrated that he could handle the demands of international cricket.

Rahane was particularly impressed by the manner in which Padikkal scored his runs. He believes a No. 3 batter must be capable of taking control of the innings and preventing pressure from building on the middle order.

“Padikkal’s footwork was decisive, and with the confidence that he displayed, he did not let the bowlers settle,” Rahane said.

The former India batter added that Padikkal’s ability to dominate on the conditions in Galle was an encouraging sign for the team. His approach ensured that the Sri Lankan bowlers were unable to build sustained pressure.

Padikkal also contributed 44 runs in the second innings, further strengthening his case to remain in the side for the Colombo Test.

Sai Sudharsan Still Remains a Quality Option

Although Padikkal is expected to continue, the competition for the No. 3 position is unlikely to disappear. Sai Sudharsan remains part of India’s long-term plans and could return to the playing XI when an opportunity becomes available.

Rahane believes Sudharsan is a quality batter who will be looking to perform consistently whenever he gets another chance.

This competition could benefit India as both young batters look to establish themselves in the Test setup. Padikkal’s immediate task will be to build on his Galle performance rather than become complacent.

Rahane Backs Rishabh Pant to Play His Natural Game

Rahane also offered strong support to Rishabh Pant ahead of the second Test. The India wicketkeeper-batter was criticized after being dismissed while attempting an aggressive shot in the first innings.

However, Pant responded in the second innings with an important 66. His knock included eight boundaries and two sixes and helped India maintain control of the Test.

Rahane believes Pant’s attacking and unpredictable style is one of his biggest strengths and should not be restricted because of occasional mistakes.

“Pant is such a player who is a match-winner, and you need them in your team at all times. They can change the game anytime,” Rahane said.

He also urged Pant to continue with the same mindset regardless of criticism from outside the team. According to Rahane, India’s ability to change the course of a Test quickly depends partly on players with Pant’s attacking instincts.

Pant’s Second-Innings Response Impresses

Pant scored 39 in the first innings before bouncing back with his 66 in the second. The contrasting innings demonstrated both the risks and rewards associated with his style of play.

Rather than asking Pant to completely change his approach, Rahane believes India should allow him to play according to his natural instincts. When successful, Pant can score quickly, put pressure on bowlers and change the momentum of a match.

His second-innings fifty was therefore an important confidence boost heading into the second Test.

India Take 1-0 Lead in the Test Series

India enter the Colombo Test with a 1-0 lead after defeating Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the opening match at Galle.

Several players contributed to the victory, with Manav Suthar taking 10 wickets, Padikkal scoring a century and Pant producing a crucial second-innings fifty.

The conditions at the SSC could play a major role in India’s final selection. If the pitch offers similar assistance to spin, the team could retain a largely unchanged combination.

India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test: What to Expect

The second Test will begin on Sunday, August 23, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. India will be aiming to win the match and secure the two-Test series.

For Padikkal, the game represents another opportunity to establish himself at No. 3. A strong performance could make his position even more secure, while Sudharsan will continue to wait for his next opportunity.

Meanwhile, Pant will look to continue playing his attacking brand of cricket after receiving strong backing from Rahane. With India already leading 1-0, the Colombo Test could provide another important step in shaping the team’s long-term batting combination.