1 week ago
Pujara backs Padikkal for India’s No. 3 slot
India is trying to find a reliable batter for the No.
3 position in Test matches.
Devdutt Padikkal recently scored 167 and 44 in a Test in Galle.
Cheteshwar Pujara thinks Padikkal should get more chances in that role.
However, Padikkal must keep scoring runs to make the place his own.
Pujara said good performances in New Zealand and against Australia would help.
He also said India should not put too much pressure on Padikkal after one strong match.
Pujara believes Sai Sudharsan should still be considered for the Test squad.
He also said domestic cricket is important because it prepares players for international challenges.
Cheteshwar Pujara supports Devdutt Padikkal continuing at No. 3 for India.
Padikkal scored 167 and 44 in the Galle Test.
Pujara says consistent performances are needed to secure the position long term.
He believes Padikkal’s form in upcoming New Zealand and Australia series will be decisive.
Pujara urged India to value domestic cricket and keep Sai Sudharsan in Test-squad consideration.
- Who
- Cheteshwar Pujara discussed Devdutt Padikkal’s prospects, with Sai Sudharsan also mentioned as a Test-squad candidate.
- What
- Pujara backed Padikkal to continue batting at No. 3 while calling for consistent performances and greater emphasis on domestic cricket.
- Where
- The upcoming Test was scheduled at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Sri Lanka; Padikkal’s previous scores came in Galle.
- When
- The comments were made on Saturday; India’s second and final Test against Sri Lanka was scheduled to begin the following Saturday.
- Why
- Pujara said consistency in upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia would determine whether Padikkal cements the position.
Key facts
- Padikkal’s Galle scores
- 167 and 44 at No. 3
- Pujara’s Test record
- 7,195 runs in 103 matches
- Pujara’s first-class record
- 21,301 runs
- Upcoming Sri Lanka match
- Second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo
- Future challenges
- A two-Test tour of New Zealand followed by a five-Test series against Australia
- Other player mentioned
- Sai Sudharsan should remain in India’s Test-squad plans
- Selection principle
- Pujara said domestic performances should receive significant importance when selecting India’s Test squad
Quotes
Cheteshwar Pujara
Former India Test batter discussing Padikkal’s readiness and development
“Devdutt was ready for this opportunity, given the way he has been performing in the domestic circuit and even in the IPL. We have seen that he has worked on his game. He has improved his technique, and the kind of performances he has been producing in all formats of the game underlines his rhythm.”
telegraphindia.com
“Yes, he has been performing really well and I hope that he continues with his performance going into the second Test match and then into the New Zealand and the Australia series.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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