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This Indian Test team is undergoing some transition phase due to the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and yes, it has brought about a completely different atmosphere within the team. The young batter, Shubman Gill, leads this team currently, whereas Rishabh Pant has been named the vice-captain of this team. However, recently, India started this transition phase quite nicely; the team managed to draw against the England cricket team in a Test series, and later, they even defeated the West Indies cricket team. But soon after that, their performance went downhill, and they were beaten by the South Africa cricket team 2-0 in a Test series.

 

And honestly one thing that keeps coming up is the No. 3 spot. It’s not like they haven’t tried it before, several names were experimented with, like Karun Nair, Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar, but nobody really managed to stick there as a proper, go-to option, you know, that steady type.

 

Now there’s a report saying Devdutt Padikkal might be India’s next No.3 batter in Test cricket.

 

India searching for a reliable No.3 batter

 

Over the last few months, selectors have shuffled different batters into that number three position. But the performances stayed uneven, and with the ICC World Test Championship final feeling more and more real every week, it looks like the management is leaning toward a batter who can be both stable and dependable in the top order.

 

Reports suggest that Padikkal is currently being watched for this exact role. India are expected to play a one-off Test match against the Afghanistan next month, and the left-handed batter could very well get a shot at number three there.

 

The team’s camp feels Padikkal’s technique is solid, and his recent form also looks convincing, so he could become a serious consideration for that spot.

 

Also Read | IPL 2026: 3 Reasons Why RCB Should Drop Romario Shepherd Against KKR

 

Strong IPL and domestic season helped Padikkal

 

Padikkal, meanwhile, has had a really strong run with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026. In 11 matches, he’s made 328 runs, at an average of 36.44, and a strike rate of 176.34. If we’re counting right now, he’s also the second-highest run-scorer for RCB this season.

 

On top of that, he’s already hit three half-centuries and delivered a few key innings, especially while batting at number three. And it’s not only the IPL, his domestic season has been impressive too for Karnataka. In the Ranji Trophy, Padikkal piled up 543 runs in six matches, average 60.33, including two centuries and one half-century.

 

Karnataka actually made it to the final, before they eventually lost to Jammu & Kashmir.

 

Padikkal already has Test experience

 

Here’s another reason why he’s being talked about. Padikkal has already played Test cricket for India. He appeared in one Test each against England and Australiaback in 2024.

 

So far, his first-class record shows 54 matches and more than 3500 runs, at an average of 42.67. He’s got nine centuries and 19 half-centuries as part of that. Plus, in domestic cricket he leads Karnataka as well, which has clearly helped him grow not just as a batter but also as a leader.

 

So yeah, with India chasing stability at No.3, Padikkal looks like one of the more solid options for the upcoming Test future.