India made a significant change to his batting order on the first day of the Galle Test, Devdutt Padikkal Made the most of his opportunity at number 3. This left handed batsman Sri Lanka Showed amazing composure against the spin bowling of India and produced a memorable performance on a challenging pitch.
Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131 at the end of the first day's play, celebrating his maiden Test century and putting India in a strong position. His ability to mix solid defense and aggressive play, especially against spin, became one of the biggest talking points of the day.
Sanjay Manjrekar backs Devdutt Padikkal for No. 3
Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar Was very impressed with Padikkal's approach against the spinners and even suggested that India should retain him at No. 3 even upon the return of Sai Sudarshan. Manjrekar believes that Padikkal's skill set makes him a valuable option on slow, turning pitches and he particularly praised the left-handed batsman's ability to defend confidently, rotate the strike and attack opportunities.
“Devdutt Padikkal has been a boon for India against spinners. Excellent technique in both defense and attack,” Manjrekar wrote on
Speaking on Sony Sports, Manjrekar explained what makes Padikkal particularly effective against spin. He highlighted the batsman's ability to rotate the strike when the field is spread out, while also having the range to attack opportunities.
“Devdutt Padikkal was the big change for India. I really think the selection is so good when you see how effortlessly Padikkal plays spin – because he is good at defending against spin, he is good at taking 1s and 2s when he is a bit deep, and then he is also good at playing attacking shots, and that too from the backfoot on slow, turning pitches. That is something remarkable. On slow, turning pitches, bat straight off the backfoot. “Playing shots and playing pull shots shows that he is a player who wants to go on the backfoot.” Manjrekar said.
Manjrekar wants Padikkal to remain at number 3 even after Sai Sudarshan's return
Padikkal's century has now given rise to an interesting selection debate for India's management. While Sudarshan is expected to return as he recovers from a leg injury, Manjrekar believes Padikkal has done enough to retain the No. 3 position. The former batsman pointed to Padikkal's ability to attack spin and his strong defensive technique.
“Along with that, he also has this art of coming down the pitch and hitting the ball over the sight screen. So on pitches where spin will be emphasized, India should bat him at No. 3, even if Sai Sudarshan comes back, because he looks a strong player against spin. I think it was a boon for India – Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3 with the kind of spin talent he has,” Manjrekar concluded.
He once again emphasized how valuable Padikkal can be for India on spin-friendly pitches. With Padikkal converting his opportunity to score a maiden Test century, India now have another strong option in the middle order. Therefore, his performance in Galle could pose an interesting selection dilemma for the team management when Sudarshan is fit and available again.