Kevin Pietersen has heaped praise on Devdutt Padikkal after the India batter finished the Sri Lanka Test series as one of the biggest positives for the visitors. The former England captain was particularly impressed by his batting style, calling him an elegant player and saying India are fortunate to have him in their ranks.
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.
Padikkal's series began with a dominant performance in the first Test. He scored 167 off 230 balls in India's first innings, striking 15 fours and one six. Batting at No. 3, he built a substantial innings before being dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya.
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.
He followed that century with another important contribution in India's second innings. Devdutt Padikkal made 44 off 75 deliveries, including six boundaries, before Keshara Nuwantha dismissed him. The left-hander was trapped lbw after attempting to play a length delivery from the back foot, with the ball going on to hit the middle and leg stumps.
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.
Nuwantha was again the bowler to dismiss him. Padikkal went back to a quicker delivery that turned away after pitching, but the ball went through the outside edge and crashed into his off stump.
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
Kevin Pietersen was impressed by Devdutt Padikkal's technique and style throughout the series, particularly his ability to combine attractive strokeplay with composure at the crease.
"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.
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? (@KP24) August 28, 2026Former 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.
"He not only showed stroke-making, but also temperament. He made big scores. He didn't let go of the opportunity he got. As you said, he got the boarding pass late, but after that, he sat in the wrong seat. Two catches were also dropped. However, he then sat in his seat again and scored a hundred," Jadeja said.
"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
Jadeja also revealed that he has admired Devdutt Padikkal for several years and believes the batter possesses qualities that are increasingly uncommon in modern cricket.
"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.
Jadeja believes Padikkal's ability to handle spin could prove particularly valuable for India in future Test assignments.
"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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