Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has supported Devdutt Padikkal to retain the No. 3 spot in Test cricket following his century against Sri Lanka, while emphasizing that upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia will define his long-term future.
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Devdutt Padikkal for the crucial No. 3 position in Test cricket, following the southpaw's 167 in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Padikkal received his chance in the side after Sai Sudharsan was sidelined due to injury.
Speaking during a virtual media interaction organised by Sony Sports Network, Pujara praised Padikkal's development across domestic cricket and the IPL. "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."
While Pujara insisted that India should stick with Padikkal at No. 3 for now, he added that Sudharsan must remain in the Test squad scheme of things. Pujara emphasized that Padikkal's long-term spot will depend on his performances over the next six months against New Zealand away and Australia at home. "If Devdutt performs consistently in both those series, then he will cement his spot," Pujara stated.
The 38-year-old also called on the team management and captain to show greater faith in spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was not among the wickets in Galle. Pujara noted that a third spinner is bound to have moments without picking up wickets due to limited overs, urging the team leadership to back him ahead of the second Test in Colombo.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Sport. Photo courtesy The Hindu Sport.