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Devdutt Padikkal: India's New Test No. 3?
13 May
Summary
- Devdutt Padikkal is reportedly the top choice for India's Test No. 3 batting position.
- Padikkal impressed with 328 runs in IPL 2026, averaging 36.44.
- He also scored 543 runs in the Ranji Trophy this year for Karnataka.
The Indian Test cricket team is actively seeking a reliable batsman for the number three position. Following the retirement of stalwarts, the team has experimented with several players without finding a consistent solution.
Recent reports suggest that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batsman Devdutt Padikkal is the leading candidate for this critical batting slot. Padikkal has demonstrated impressive form in recent domestic tournaments.
In the IPL 2026 season, Padikkal accumulated 328 runs across 11 matches, maintaining an average of 36.44 and a striking rate of 176.34. He registered three half-centuries for RCB.
Furthermore, Padikkal's performance in the Ranji Trophy earlier this year was notable, scoring 543 runs in six matches at an average of 60.33, including two centuries. He has previously played two Test matches for India.
Padikkal's potential inclusion at number three is anticipated for an upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan next month as selectors aim to solidify the batting lineup for the ICC World Test Championship.
