Former India batter turned commentator Cheteshwar Pujara said that it is too early to say whether Devdutt Padikkal can be India’s long-term No. 3 batter in Test cricket. Pujara added that, to cement his place, Padikkal will need to perform in New Zealand and the home series against Australia as well. However, Padikkal scored 117 off 193 balls as India scored 300-
5 on Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo as well. Earlier, he won the Player of the Match in Galle for
scoring 167 & 44 as well.

During a discussion on Cricinfo, he said: “Yes, he will be batting at No. 3 in New Zealand. But, will he be the long-term No. 3 for India? That is a long way off. You don’t judge a player from a couple of Test matches. Yes, he has shown a lot of character and deserves a longer run at No. 3. India will play a couple of Test matches in New Zealand and there is a five-match Test series against Australia in India. If he consistently performs at No. 3 in both the series, then he will cement his place at No. 3. Let’s not put too much pressure on him.”

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While Devdutt Padikkal displayed great footwork and technique in the second half of his innings, he was seen struggling for momentum in the early part of his knock too. He even got two reprieves before he set his eyes in and made Sri Lanka pay
as well.

“Maybe he was a little fatigued. The moment he walked into bat, it didn’t look like he’s a guy in form. He was struggling a bit early on, but after a couple of chances and batting for 40-50 deliveries, he found his rhythm. After that, the way he batted, it was just brilliant,” Cheteshwar Pujara concluded.