Devdutt Padikkal made the most of his opportunity after coming into India's XI as Sai Sudharsan's replacement. The left-hander finished the two-Test series with 328 runs from three innings at an average of 109.33, including two centuries and a crucial 44. His performances earned him the Player of the Series award.
Devdutt Padikkal attempted to attack Jayasuriya by coming down the track, but the spinner shortened his length and bowled wider. The batter went past the ball, allowing Niroshan Dickwella to complete a straightforward stumping. Padikkal's dismissal came with India's score at 357/5.
Padikkal shined in second Test in Colombo, scoring another century. He made 117 off 193 balls, hitting 12 fours, as India posted 503/9 declared.
Across his three innings, Devdutt Padikkal accumulated 328 runs, averaging 109.33. His consistency at the top of India's middle order played a major role in his winning the Player of the Series award.
Kevin Pietersen hails Devdutt Padikkal, says India are lucky to have him
"Devdutt Padikall is such a beautiful batter! Style and elegance. A joy to watch and India lucky to have such a brilliant #3," Kevin Pietersen stated in a post shared on X.
— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) August 28, 2026
Former India captain Ajay Jadeja also highlighted Padikkal's temperament during a discussion on Sony Sports. He pointed out that the batter grabbed his opportunity despite entering the squad late and backed it up with significant scores.
"Sometimes one throws those chances. Those catches were after scoring a hundred, but he scored a century again after those catches were dropped. He himself said that it doesn't matter to him whether he is played at No. 3 or not. He is that kind of player. He can open or play at No. 3," he added.
“He is a rare player” - Ajay Jadeja on Devdutt Padikkal
"I am very happy for him. When you like a player or see something in him, you get attached to him. I have been his fan for four years. When he used to play in the IPL as well, he is a rare player in today's day who is not a power player, and in that format where I first saw him. I have become his fan since then," he said.
"If you look at it from India's perspective, all players are good, but someone's strength is that they play pace and swing well, and someone's strength is that they play spin well. In the last five Tests India have lost in India, we have not been able to play spin as batters. So, his addition there, and India have to play five matches against Australia in the WTC, is a great sign for the Indian team," Jadeja observed.
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