R Ashwin Backs Padikkal as India's Long-Term No.3 Batter

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Devdutt Padikkal to become India’s long-term number three batter in Test cricket following the left-hander’s recent performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026. Ashwin made the remarks after Bengaluru’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur, where Padikkal scored 39 runs off 27 deliveries with seven boundaries. The veteran off-spinner praised the batter’s technique, temperament, and adaptability against spin bowling while suggesting that India should invest in him for the long term in red-ball cricket.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said Padikkal had shown enough promise to earn an extended run in the Indian test side. “I want Devdutt Padikkal to be India’s No. 3 in Test cricket,” Ashwin said, adding that the batter deserved to be considered a regular member of the national team. Ashwin noted that India had spent considerable time trying different players in the crucial number three position, including Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, but believed Padikkal had the qualities needed to establish himself in the role over a longer period.

Padikkal has already represented India in two Test matches during 2024 and has scored 90 runs across three innings while batting at numbers three and four. Although his opportunities at the international level have remained limited, Ashwin believes the batter’s development in domestic and franchise cricket has significantly improved his game. He specifically highlighted Padikkal’s ability to handle spin bowling, his timing against pace attacks, and his growing range of stroke play as signs of maturity that could translate successfully into Test cricket.

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The former India all-rounder also compared certain aspects of Padikkal’s batting style to Dinesh Karthik, particularly his proactive approach against spinners. Ashwin recalled their time together at Rajasthan Royals and noted that Padikkal had expanded his attacking options considerably over the years. According to Ashwin, the batter previously relied heavily on back-foot play against spin but has now added sweeps, reverse sweeps, and better footwork to his game, making him more versatile across different match situations and conditions.

Ashwin also addressed the growing influence of IPL performances in India’s selection process, stating that strong displays in the tournament combined with consistent first-class cricket often increase a player’s chances of earning international opportunities. He pointed out that Sai Sudharsan moved ahead in the race for the Test number three position partly because of his performances as the Orange Cap holder during IPL 2024. While acknowledging Sudharsan’s abilities, Ashwin suggested that Padikkal had long been viewed as a strong contender for the role before recent selection shifts altered the pecking order.

Devdutt Padikkal has enjoyed a productive IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, contributing important runs in the top order and strengthening his case for a return to the national side. With India continuing to search for stability in the crucial top-order batting positions ahead of future Test assignments, Ashwin’s endorsement is likely to add further attention to Padikkal’s performances in both domestic and international cricket. The discussion also reflects the broader debate around balancing IPL form and red-ball consistency in India’s evolving Test selection strategy.

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