For the match in the Whites, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel has named a mixed squad of experienced and emerging talents. The number three batting position remains an unsolved puzzle for the selectors since Virat Kohli's retirement from the format. For that batting spot, the battle is seemingly between Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan.
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the two pure openers in the squad. If these two batters go to open the innings, then what will be KL Rahul’s role in the batting combination, and who will represent the team at number 3? Before the first day of the one-off Test, the Indian team management is in search of the answer.
Devdutt Padikkal could be the new number 3 over Sai Sudharsan
If Padikkal picks for the number 3 role, then Sai Sudharsan’s batting position will be under the scanner. Dhruv Jurel’s chances to play the match are also uncertain, as Rishabh Pant is there as the keeper-batter.
Devdutt Padikkal looks like edging Sai Sudharsan for No.3.Slip formation Gill, Rahul, DDP and Jurel.Once Rahul left for batting, Sai came in.#INDvAFG #ICT
— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) June 4, 2026Padikkal vs Sudharsan Test stats comparison
Padikkal at number 3 makes sense as he has played a good amount of matches for this role; he knows exactly the role of a number three batter. In his overall career, Devdutt Padikkal has played only one Test match in that position to score 25 runs in two innings. For the 4th position, the Kerala-born has got 65 runs in one innings.
Stats-wise, Sudharsan has better numbers than Padikkal, and both of the batters did needful jobs for their respective teams a service in the franchise as well. Then, if the selectors want to choose one between these two batters for one single spot, then who deserves the most? Overall stats and recent form have made the situation more complicated.
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