Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru stalwart AB de Villiers has weighed in on one of Indian cricket's most intriguing questions: Has Devdutt Padikkal done enough to cement the No. 3 spot in Test cricket?

The South African legend, speaking on his YouTube channel ABD360, didn't hold back his admiration for the tall left-hander, who has been in sensational form during India's ongoing two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Padikkal announced himself on the big stage with back-to-back centuries: 167 off 230 balls in the first Test's opening innings, followed by a composed 117 off 193 deliveries in the second Test, studded with 12 elegant fours.

"India are playing some fantastic cricket, especially the batters. Devdutt Padikkal is the big talk about that number three position. Has he cemented his spot now? I'm a big fan and firm believer that he's got the all-round game to be the long-term number three for India," de Villiers said.

He elaborated on Padikkal's versatility, calling him a complete cricketer who can adapt to any situation. "He can play proper Test cricket, that long innings, but also be aggressive when need be, especially against those spinners. Tall left-hander, plays the short ball pretty well. For away Tests to Australia, England, South Africa, I think he's a really good, versatile, all-round Test cricket batter at number three," de Villiers added.

The former Proteas captain also reserved special praise for Dhruv Jurel, who struck a magnificent century in the second Test at Colombo. "Dhruv Jurel stood out with that fine, fine century. He's got a really, really good technique, guys. Second to Rahul, KL Rahul, that is. I think Dhruv Jurel is another Indian batter with a very fine technique that can last for a long time. He chipped in there with a fantastic century in that middle order, just maintaining the momentum they needed against Sri Lanka," de Villiers observed.

Padikkal's emergence couldn't have come at a better time for India, who have been searching for a reliable option at one-drop since the transition phase began. With twin hundreds in Sri Lankan conditions traditionally challenging for subcontinent batters, the 26-year-old has made a compelling case for himself.

De Villiers, who enjoyed a legendary international career spanning from 2004 to 2018, knows a thing or two about batting excellence. With over 20,000 international runs, 47 centuries, and an ODI average of 53.50, his endorsement carries significant weight. The man who once smashed the fastest ODI century off just 31 balls understands what it takes to thrive under pressure, and his faith in Padikkal signals that India might have finally found their long-term solution at No. 3.

Whether Padikkal can sustain this form on bouncier tracks in Australia or seaming conditions in England remains to be seen. But if his recent exploits are any indication, the left-hander has all the tools—technique, temperament, and versatility—to become a mainstay in India's Test batting order for years to come.