There’s a dilemma about the number 3 batsman for India’s Test team and the coach remained tight-lipped:

Read, Digital Desk : Team India will play a one-off Test match against Afghanistan in Mullanpur from June 6. However, finding the number 3 batsman is a big concern for Team India. Sai Sudarshan and Devdutt Padikkal are fighting it out for this spot and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has not revealed as yet who will get the nod against Afghanistan. Ryan ten Doeschate admitted that since the retirement of Cheteshwar Pujara, a lot of players have been tried for the number 3 batting position, and now it’s time that either Sai Sudarshan or Devdutt Padikkal get an extended run at the important batting slot.

Pujara retired in 2025, though he last played for India in the 2023 WTC final. Since then, the likes of Shubman Gill, Padikkal, Sudharshan, Karun Nair and Washington Sundar have been tried for the number 3 spot. Sudharshan has played 6 Tests but has been out of sorts having an average of just above 27.

“A number of batsmen have been tried at that number, which is not ideal. We should consider the contenders for that number and stick with one for a long time,” Doesh told reporters ahead of the Test in Mullanpur on Thursday. Both Sudharsan and Padikkal have been batting their hearts out in the nets, but Doesh gave no indication who will get the nod.

Even when the slips Fielding was being observed, there was no clarity on who the selection is going to be. Padikkal was initially seen standing at slips with KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill. After KL Rahul went for net practice, Sudarshan was spotted at slips trying out for catches. Again, it was noticed that he again lost his bat during net practice and it slipped from his hand behind him. He was twice out hit wicket by a similar situation in the IPL.