India face a selection decision at the number three batting position ahead of their Test series against Sri Lanka, with two candidates in contention for the role. Devdutt Padikkal and Sarfaraz Khan are both being considered to fill the spot vacated by Sai Sudharsan, who was ruled out of the entire series due to an unhealed toe injury.
Former South African batter AB de Villiers has offered his perspective on the choice between the two players. De Villiers highlighted the contrasting qualities each brings to the middle order and outlined the factors that might influence India’s coaching staff in making their decision.
“One question mark around that number three batting spot, with either Sarfaraz Khan or Devdutt Padikkal having to put up their hand for that spot. I’m leaning towards Padikkal, a left-hander, really solid technique. He just comes across as a guy who can bat for long periods of time. Sarfaraz is more the exciting kind of candidate,” Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
Padikkal’s recent form in preparation for the series has been strong. The left-hander scored an unbeaten 142 with 18 boundaries in a warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka Cricket XI, demonstrating his ability to build substantial innings.
De Villiers on the strategic choice between the two candidates
De Villiers acknowledged the appeal of Sarfaraz Khan’s aggressive approach while explaining the strategic considerations that might favour Padikkal. The former South African captain noted that Sarfaraz brings an attacking dimension to the middle order that can shift momentum in India’s favour.
“He can take the game away from the opposition. He hits in funny areas, and he always keeps the captain on their toes. It’s a difficult decision to make here. I think what the coach will look at is, Gautam Gambhir will look at the make-up of the side and the balance. Do we need more of an exciting prospect at number three who can take the game away and take it on, or do we need more of a consistent player in Padikkal, a left-hander, always nice to have right-left-hand combinations, especially with spinners on turning wickets? I’m leaning towards that more of a conservative option, a guy with more of a calmer demeanour who can just slow the game down and also be attacking, if need be,” said De Villiers.
India’s World Test Championship challenge
India’s World Test Championship campaign remains a significant factor in squad selection and tactical decisions. With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for the Sri Lanka series, the team composition takes on added importance as India pursues their objectives in the championship cycle.
“With no Jasprit Bumrah, he will be unavailable for this series. We’re looking at the squad. It’s a relatively strong squad. We can have a look at that quickly and see if India can make a run for it. They’ll have to win around eight out of the nine Test matches that they have remaining in the WTC standings,” De Villiers concluded.
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