Former India captain Kris Srikkanth believes Devdutt Padikkal has done enough to establish himself as India’s preferred No. 3 batter in Test cricket following his outstanding performance against Sri Lanka in Galle. Padikkal grabbed the opportunity after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the series with a toe injury.

Batting at No. 3, Padikkal produced a memorable performance, scoring 167 runs in the first innings before adding another 44 in the second. His combined tally of 211 runs played a major role in India’s commanding 165-run victory and earned him the Player of the Match award. Srikkanth feels the performance could make it difficult for Sudharsan to reclaim his position once he returns to full fitness.

“Padikkal has sealed the No.3 position. It’ll be hard for Sai Sudharsan to replace him. Padikkal played very fluently and batted well in both innings, which is most important. His domestic form is helping him a lot,” Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

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Padikkal had featured in only two Tests for India before the Galle Test, with his previous appearance coming against Australia in Perth in November 2024. His opportunity in Sri Lanka was therefore crucial, and the left-hander responded with composure and authority. Sudharsan, meanwhile, has played seven Tests since making his debut in England last year.

However, he has struggled to convert starts into substantial scores, averaging below 32 with three half-centuries in 12 innings. His absence allowed Padikkal to make a strong case for a permanent role in the middle order. Kris Srikkanth also praised Ravindra Jadeja for reaching another significant milestone in his decorated Test career. Jadeja completed the double of 4,000 Test runs and 350 wickets during the first Test against Sri Lanka.

The all-rounder joined an elite group comprising Kapil Dev, Daniel Vettori and Ian Botham to achieve the rare 4,000-run and 350-wicket milestone in Test cricket. “It’s an amazing achievement. 4,000 runs and 350 wickets is no joke. And don’t forget, he has done well in places like England,” Srikkanth said.

The former captain also reserved special praise for young spinner Manav Suthar, who delivered a match-winning performance in only his second Test. Suthar claimed 10 wickets, including six in Sri Lanka’s second innings, to help India seal a comfortable victory.

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Srikkanth highlighted Suthar’s ability to generate drift and flight, which he believes makes the 24-year-old a promising prospect for India. “He gets excellent drift and loop. I really liked that about him even in the couple of matches he played for GT. That flight is the most important thing for a left-arm spinner and where you beat a batter,” Kris Srikkanth added.

With Padikkal, Jadeja and Suthar making strong impressions in Galle, India has plenty of positives to carry into the second Test in Colombo.