The No. 3 slot in Indian Test batsmanship has featured some splendid players. Dilip Vengsarkar, Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara turned out in the past, and cut to the present, it is either Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal, who occupy this vital position. In the first Test at the Galle International Stadium, Padikkal did well with scores of 167 and 44.

“Cricket has its injuries and things like that (Sai Sudharsan being injured) happen. Sai has been doing well for us and he is a very talented player. At the end of the day, whoever gets that opportunity, it is important that we take that opportunity and help the team win. As long as we are doing that, everyone is happy,” Padikkal told the media here on Tuesday.

“At No. 3, you understand what’s really happening on the pitch. Especially, if there has been an opening partnership, you always know what you are going into. I try to keep things simple,” Padikkal said.

Padikkal, who has excelled in the IPL besides finding his groove in Tests, spoke about the adjustments between white and red-ball cricket: “My technique changes quite a bit but at the same time it’s about making sure that I am in a position to tackle whatever is coming towards me. In white-ball cricket, I have a particular set-up that helps me play a lot more shots, it frees my arms a bit. But in red ball, it’s important that I tighten that side of my game and keep my hands a little closer.”

There was this synergy Padikkal shared with Karnataka-mate K.L. Rahul, and he elaborated on that: “Batting with KL is always enjoyable. We have played quite a few innings together, even with Karnataka as well. We had some long partnerships. He understands the tempo in which I bat. And I do the same as well. When you have that kind of chemistry, it helps in stitching a partnership.”

About his interactions with Dravid, Padikkal said: “He has always been a great support. He has always been open to having a chat whenever I have needed to.”

And as for the pitch in the ongoing Test, he said: “It started turning a little bit more and as a team trying to get 10 wickets, that is a good sign. Hopefully, it will continue to deteriorate (on the final day)”.

Published - August 18, 2026 08:49 pm IST