Former South African and RCB batter AB de Villiers picked between Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikkal for the number three spot in India’s playing XI for the first Test match against Sri Lanka. However, India will take on Sri Lanka in a two-match away Test series, starting at Galle on August 15. Notably, Sarfaraz Khan replaced Sai Sudharsan in the squad, who was ruled out due to injury as well.
“Sarfaraz is a more exciting kind of candidate who can take the game away from the opposition. He hits in funny areas and always keeps the captain on their toes. It is a difficult decision to make. I think GG will look at the make-up of the side and the balance. Do we need an attacking and exciting prospect at number three? Or do we need more of a consistent player in Padikkal? A left-right combination is always nice to have against spinners, especially on turning wickets. I’m leaning towards the guy with a calmer demeanour who can slow the game down and also be attacking if need be,” he said in a video on his YouTube channel.
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“There’s one question around that number three batting spot, with either Sarfaraz or Padikkal having to put their hands up. I’m leaning towards Padikkal. Left-hander, solid technique, and comes across as a guy who can bat for a longer period of time,” the former RCB batter again added.
However, this will be a vital series for both India and Sri Lanka to keep their hopes alive of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final as well. AB de Villiers also stated that both teams would have to work hard to stay in the race and win as many games as possible from now on.
“Lots to play for. We’ll see if India can make a run for it. They’ll have to win eight out of the nine Test matches they have remaining. Both teams need a lot of wins to keep the WTC hopes alive. That will be the name of the game. Lots of work to be done for them (India and Sri Lanka). It’s number five and six on the table,” AB de Villiers concluded.
