Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed for the inclusion of Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Devdutt Padikkal in India’s Test team. The left-handed batter in RCB’s last match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur, scored 39 off 27 balls.
Ashwin said that Padikkal who bats at No. 3 for RCB can also slot in that position in India’s Test batting lineup. Not long ago, India had tried Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan at the same batting position without much success.
Though Padikkal has already featured in two Tests in 2024, batting at No. 4 and No. 3 positions, and scoring 90 runs in three innings. However, this time, Ashwin wants a longer run for Padikkal in the No. 3 position.
“I want Devdutt Padikkal to be India’s No. 3 in Test cricket. He has batted so well, and he deserves to be an incumbent Test player for India. He should be given a long-term chance,” said R Ashwin in a video on his YouTube channel.
“If you look at his sixes, it is all about the timing. When I see his batting, I feel that there is a little bit of Dinesh Karthik’s imprint. He is very proactive against spinners. He was there with me in RR, and at the time, he used to play spinners on the back foot. Now, he plays the reverse sweep and sweep. He also has the feet usage,” he added.
Ashwin also pointed to a fact that in current scenario, selection to the Indian team becomes easier if a player performs well in IPL along with First-Class cricket.
“Padikkal was the front runner in the race for Test cricket team, but Sai Sudharsan surpassed him. Sudharsan is also a good player, but he batted ahead of Padikkal. How did he get that opportunity? Because he was the Orange Cap holder in IPL. Whether it is right or wrong, if you perform in IPL along with First-Class cricket, your selection becomes much more easier. But I am happy, Padikkal’s talent and ability is coming out this season,” Ashwin said.
