Devdutt Padikkal Eying India Test Recall for Afghanistan Clash
A New Chapter for India’s Test Batting Order
As India prepares for the upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan this June, the selection committee faces a critical decision regarding the team’s middle order. With the match falling outside the World Test Championship cycle, there is a unique opportunity to experiment with the roster. Reports suggest that as the gap between the conclusion of the IPL and this Test match narrows, selectors may choose to rest senior stalwarts, opening the door for rising stars to stake their claim.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Strong Endorsement
Among the most vocal proponents for a change in the batting lineup is former Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin did not mince words regarding who he believes deserves the pivotal number three position. He has strongly backed Devdutt Padikkal, who has showcased remarkable form during the IPL 2026 season while representing the defending champions, RCB.
Padikkal’s statistics in the recent IPL campaign are compelling, having amassed 367 runs in just 12 games at an impressive strike rate of 172.30. Ashwin believes that Padikkal’s development as a cricketer has been profound, particularly in his ability to handle spin bowling. The veteran spinner noted that the youngster has transitioned from being a back-foot-dominant player to a more proactive batter capable of utilizing sweeps and reverse sweeps.
“I want Devdutt Padikkal to be India’s No. 3 in Test cricket. He has batted so well, and he deserves to be an incumbent Test player for India. He should be given a long-term chance,” Ashwin remarked. He further highlighted that Padikkal’s timing and footwork mirror some of the tactical nuances seen in players like Dinesh Karthik, suggesting a maturity beyond his years.
The Debate Over the Number Three Spot
The conversation around the number three position has been complex since the transition period following the departures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, the management initially opted for Sai Sudharsan to fill the void. However, Ashwin questioned the logic behind this selection, suggesting that while Sudharsan is a talented individual, Padikkal was the natural frontrunner based on his consistency in domestic circuits.
Ashwin posited that Sudharsan’s selection might have been heavily influenced by his status as an Orange Cap winner in the previous IPL season. While acknowledging the importance of IPL performance, the veteran emphasized that domestic First-Class credentials should remain a primary benchmark. Sai Sudharsan’s recent Test record—302 runs in 11 innings at an average of 27.45—has invited further scrutiny, leading many to believe that the door is now ajar for Padikkal’s return to the national side.
Coaching Support and Domestic Form
Beyond the insights from players, internal support for the RCB batter seems to be growing. Reports indicate that head coach Gautam Gambhir holds Padikkal in high regard, viewing him as a key asset for the future of the Indian Test team. This support is bolstered by an impressive run in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, where Padikkal scored 543 runs in 10 innings at a stellar average of 60.33, including two centuries and a half-century.
While Shubman Gill remains a supporter of Sudharsan, the combination of Padikkal’s current IPL form, his technical evolution against spin, and his solid domestic track record makes a compelling case. Having already earned two Test caps in 2024, Padikkal is no stranger to the intensity of international cricket. As the BCCI prepares to announce the squad for the Afghanistan Test, all eyes will be on whether the selectors choose to stick with the incumbent or look toward the revitalized form of Devdutt Padikkal to solidify the number three spot.
