What happened: Pujara backed Padikkal for the Test No. 3 spot
Cheteshwar Pujara backed Devdutt Padikkal for the No. 3 batting spot in India’s Test cricket setup. Pujara linked his support to Padikkal’s strong performance in the first Test against Sri Lanka, where Padikkal scored 167.
Pujara also argued that Padikkal’s rise reflects more than one innings. Pujara said Padikkal has earned faith because Padikkal has shown preparation and technique improvement through domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Background and earlier position: Why Padikkal got the chance at No. 3
Pujara said Padikkal got the opportunity at No. 3 because Sai Sudharsan was not fit. Pujara’s position was two-sided: Padikkal should be given a longer look at No. 3, but India should not ignore Sudharsan’s talent.
Pujara stated that Sudharsan should be in the India Test squad when Sudharsan is fit.