India’s recent tour of Sri Lanka saw young Devdutt Padikkal emerge as the new batting hero. The 26-year-old was named the Player of the Series for scoring 328 runs from three innings, including two centuries. The left-handed batter notched up a career-best 167 in the first innings of the Galle Test and also amassed117 in Colombo.

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane praised the youngster and made a huge statement on the number three spot in Test cricket. The 38-year-old, speaking on his YouTube channel, said, “Padikkal has sealed the number three spot temporarily, and this is because of his own hard work, and I am happy with the way he performed. When the team heads to New Zealand, the conditions will be different, but for now we have to celebrate his two centuries.”

Sai Sudharsanwho was the previous number three batter, had to miss the tour due to injury. It was a great chance for Padikkal to prove his worth, and he did it in style during the Test series. He also scored an unbeaten 142 in the warm-up game to seal his spot.

“Devdutt batted well in both matches and dominated the bowlers. Scoring consecutive centuries is not easy. It is key to be decisive as a batter, and he showed that. The intent was there, and he has all the shots in the book.”

Sudharsan has done well in the chances given to him, and the upcoming tour of New Zealand will be huge for both batters, with the conditions likely to test the batters.

Devdutt Padikkal opines on his performance in Sri Lanka

Devdutt Padikkal was delighted after being named the Player of the Series. “It feels great, and it would have been great if we had won the game, but I was happy to contribute. You always want to play for your country and contribute and keep working, and that’s the only thing in your control.”

“I’m just happy to score runs. It doesn’t matter where I do it. It can be at number 3. It can be anywhere else. It doesn’t matter. Honestly, for me it’s important that the team wins, and I make contributions,” he said.