Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane commented on India’s playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka. The match will begin on Sunday, August 23 at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. Ajinkya Rahane added that Devdutt Padikkal would continue as India’s number three. However, he also advised him not to take his place for granted as well.

“If a senior player at number three or any number had gone out and Padikkal scored in his place, the senior player would come back into the team. But at this moment, Sai Sudharsan also does not have as much experience in Test cricket. So I feel India will think of Padikkal at number three. But you cannot take anything for granted, and Devdutt will have this in mind as well. Sudharsan is also a quality player. He will look to perform consistently,” he said in a video on his Hindi YouTube channel.

READ HERE: Shubman Gill Breaks Silence On ODI Futures Of Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli

“For now, yes. I feel he will play at number three. You see a batter scoring runs, but should also see how he scores them. Padikkal’s footwork was decisive, and with the confidence that he displayed, he did not let the bowlers settle. It is important for your number three to dominate on such wickets. It is a good sign for the team. He did not allow pressure to come on any of the batters,” he further added.

However, Ajinkya Rahane also backed star India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to continue playing his aggressive game and go with a similar mindset in the second Test as well. However, Pant was dismissed playing a rash shot in the first innings, following which India lost quick wickets and, he was criticised for playing that shot.

“Both these innings were important from his point of view. I think it will give him a lot of confidence. There were a lot of talks about his form. But I think Pant is such a player who is a match-winner, and you need them in your team at all times. They can change the game anytime. No one can predict what he will do. This is his game. I think he should continue with this mindset, no matter what anyone says about him outside. India needs a player like him in the side,” Ajinkya Rahane concluded.