Devdutt Padikkal or Sai Sudharsan? Wasim Jaffer picks his preferred batter for India’s No. 3 spot

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India’s batting order could face an interesting selection call once Sai Sudharsan returns from injury. Devdutt Padikkal was handed the No. 3 role in Sudharsan’s absence during the first Test against Sri Lanka and responded with an impressive performance in Galle. His efforts helped India register a 165-run victory and also earned him the Player of the Match award. With both batters having strong first-class records, former India opener Wasim Jaffer has now explained which qualities he would prioritise for the position.

Padikkal was given an opportunity at No. 3 after Sudharsan was ruled out with a right toe injury. The left-hander made a significant impact, scoring 167 off 230 balls in the first innings before contributing 44 off 75 deliveries in the second. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jaffer believes Padikkal should continue in the role even when Sudharsan becomes available.

The former opener pointed towards Padikkal’s first-class numbers and his record of scoring big hundreds and double hundreds for Karnataka. Jaffer also believes Padikkal’s approach with the bat could be particularly useful for India. He highlighted the left-hander’s willingness to play aggressively and put pressure back on opposition bowlers.

“I think Devdutt should be given the opportunity because his first-class numbers are very good. He has scored big hundreds and double hundreds while playing for Karnataka. He is a left-hander and plays in a slightly aggressive manner. And that is the need of the hour, in my opinion, considering the way cricket is being played these days,” Jaffer said.

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Jaffer also acknowledged Sudharsan’s achievements and suggested that the young batter has plenty of time to establish himself in Test cricket. The 24-year-old has already made a name for himself in the IPL and won the Orange Cap, but Jaffer feels his batting style is somewhat more conventional compared to Padikkal.

“I think Sai Sudharsan has time on his side. Perhaps Sudharsan is a slightly more conventional player. Even though he plays in the IPL and has won an Orange Cap as well, I feel Devdutt has a little bit of an edge,” Jaffer said.

The first-class numbers of both batters are also impressive. Padikkal has scored 4,011 runs in 57 matches at an average of 44.56, including 10 centuries and 21 fifties. Sudharsan, meanwhile, has accumulated 3,004 runs in 42 first-class matches at an average of 42.91, with 10 hundreds and 10 fifties. With Padikkal making the most of his opportunity against Sri Lanka, India could have a difficult selection decision to make when Sudharsan returns to the squad.

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