Padikkal: Important to grab the opportunity and help the team win
Devdutt Padikkal, after scoring 167 and 44 in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium, told the media in Galle on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, that whoever gets an opportunity must take it and help the team win. He said of the situation around Sai Sudharsan’s absence: “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.”
The No. 3 position in Indian Test batting has been occupied by notable players in the past, with Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan mentioned as contenders for that slot in the present setup. Padikkal has combined appearances in the IPL with growing form in Test cricket, and he made the two scores cited during the ongoing first Test at Galle.
On the demands of batting at No. 3, Padikkal outlined his approach and situational awareness, saying: “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.
Explaining how he adapts between formats, Padikkal described technical changes he makes for white-ball 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.”
On batting partnerships, Padikkal spoke about his understanding with K.L. Rahul and how shared experience helps build innings: “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.”
Describing his interactions with coach Rahul Dravid, Padikkal said that Dravid has been supportive and approachable: “He has always been a great support. He has always been open to having a chat whenever I have needed to.”
Commenting on the pitch in the ongoing Test, Padikkal reported increased turn and linked that to the team's objective: “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).”
Padikkal’s remarks left the immediate objective clear: the side is aiming to take 10 wickets on the remaining days of the Test, and he expressed hope that the pitch will continue to deteriorate on the final day.