Devdutt Padikkal is on the brink of a return to the Test for the IND vs WI series. The left hander had missed out on the England tour with injury but has since returned to full fitness. Padikkal’s likely comeback could mean bad news for Sarfaraz Khan, who risks missing out.
Padikkal set for Test comeback in IND vs WI Tests
Devdutt Padikkal seems to have won the race for a middle order spot heading into the IND vs WI series. BCCI is expected to announce the squad on Wednesday, with the left-hander set to be included as per reports.
Padikkal made a strong case with a gritty 150 in the IND A game against Australia A in Lucknow. The Karnataka star was also part of the Border Gavaskar Trophy late last year and was amongst Gautam Gambhir’s options at No.3. It was his injury that cleared the spot for a debut to Sai Sudharshan in England.
Now fit and firing, Padikkal seems to be back in the mix. India have yet to find a suitable No.3 and the 25-year-old could yet fit the bill. He scored a 50 on Test debut, and scored 0 and 25 in his only other Test at Perth. The left-hander has since shifted further down the order, with his century vs Australia A coming from No. 4.
Padikkal re-invented himself during IPL 2025 and was a major part of RCB, before an injury ruled him out of the second part of the campaign. With Rishabh Pant likely to be ruled out of the IND vs WI Tests, the 25-year-old adds a left-hander into India’s mix for the two Tests. However, Padikkal would have to slot higher up or lower down with Shubman Gill making the No.4 spot his own.
End of the road for Sarfaraz Khan?
Sarfaraz Khan was ignored for the tours of Australia and England. Not part of the IPL, he got leaner and fitter and lost about 17kg as per reports. He began his domestic season with centuries in the Buchi Babu invitational trophy. A prolific run-getter, Khan however could miss out should Padikkal make a return.
The Mumbai stalwart’s comeback depends on India’s plans for Karun Nair. The veteran did not have the best of tours of England and his days could be numbered. Should Ajit Agarkar persist however, Khan would be the party that misses out. With Sudharsan likely to be retained, it could be a straight shoot out between Nair, Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Padikkal.
Whether India look at Padikkal at their No.3 or No.5 remains to be seen. India are yet to nail down a batter for the former, with left-hander among candidates. Nair, Padikkal and Sudharsan have all batted at No.3 in Gautam Gambhir’s tenure. Nair and Padikkal can also bat at 5, keeping options flexible.
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