Pujara backs Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3 in Tests, says tougher series will decide his future
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara backed Devdutt Padikkal to continue at the crucial No. 3 position in Test cricket during a virtual media interaction organised by Sony Sports Network on Saturday, ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Pujara made the comments after Padikkal's strong red-ball showing in the series opener.
Padikkal’s red-ball stature rose after he struck 167 in the first Test against Sri Lanka, a performance Pujara singled out. “Devdutt has been outstanding. He got the opportunity because unfortunately Sai (Sudharsan) was not fit,” Pujara said. “But Devdutt was ready — the way he has been performing in domestic circuit and IPL, we have seen that he has worked on his game, he has improved his technique.”
On the availability of Sai Sudharsan, Pujara said the youngster should remain part of India's plans even if Padikkal takes the No. 3 spot. “India should go ahead with Devdutt at number three for some time, but you cannot leave someone like Sudarshan out of India’s Test squad. I am not saying that he should be batting at three, but he should be there in the scheme of things,” he said.
Pujara identified tougher examinations for Padikkal in the months ahead, listing two specific series. The real test for Padikkal will come when India faces New Zealand (away) and Australia (in India) in the next six months. “If Devdutt performs consistently in both those series, then he will cement his spot,” Pujara said.
The 38-year-old also urged greater backing for wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav after his returns in Galle. Pujara called on the team management to rally behind spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was not among the wickets at Galle. “I hope the team management and captain show a little more faith on him. If you are a third spinner, you are bound to have moments where you are not picking up wickets because you are not getting too many overs,” he said.
Padikkal was photographed during a practice session ahead of the second Test in Galle on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 (Photo Credit: PTI). The story was published on August 23, 2026 at 08:00 am IST from Bengaluru.
Sri Lanka vs. India 2nd Test Day 1 was scheduled for August 23, 2026 from 10 AM IST, with live coverage listed on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada) and Sony LIV.
