Former India player Ajay Jadeja has applauded Devdutt Padikkal for his consistent performances in the Test series against Sri Lanka. He also added that the left-handed batter can open or play at No. 3 in Tests as well. Padikkal also scored 117 runs off 193 balls in India’s first innings in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo as well. However, his knock couldn’t help India win the match as Sri Lanka scored 429/9 declared on the final day (Thursday, August 27) after being asked to follow on as well.
During a discussion on Sony Sports, Jadeja said, “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.”
“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 further added.
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However, Ajay Jadeja also stated that he has liked Devdutt Padikkal for a long time, stating that he is not a power hitter.
“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,” Ajay Jadeja concluded.
