Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has backed Devdutt Padikkal to retain the No. 3 position even after Sai Sudharsan returns from injury, calling the Karnataka batter “godsent” for India’s Test side. Padikkal made the most of his opportunity in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, scoring his maiden international century and helping India take control on a rain-affected opening day.

Padikkal was drafted into the playing XI after Sudharsan was ruled out with a foot injury and immediately made an impact. He smashed the first delivery he faced for a boundary and continued to attack Sri Lanka’s spinners with confidence. Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131 from 178 balls as India reached 288/2 in 73 overs before rain brought an early end to play. His century also ended India’s 20-Test wait for a hundred from the No. 3 position.

Manjrekar was particularly impressed by Padikkal’s ability to handle spin on a slow and turning surface. The former India batter highlighted the left-hander’s strong defence, ability to rotate the strike and willingness to attack when opportunities arose. Padikkal frequently used his back foot to play spin and also stepped down the pitch to put pressure on the bowlers, including hitting Prabath Jayasuriya for a six over long-on.

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“Devdutt Padikkal was the big change that India had,” Manjrekar said while speaking to Sony Sports. He praised the batter’s ability to pick up singles and twos against deep fields while also producing attacking shots off the back foot. According to Manjrekar, Padikkal’s technique could make him particularly valuable on turning pitches where India are likely to face quality spin bowling.

Padikkal also shared important partnerships during India’s dominant start. KL Rahul scored 77 before retiring hurt with an arm cramp, while Rishabh Pant later joined Padikkal at the crease as India strengthened their position. The century represented a significant turnaround for Padikkal after his difficult outing in Perth, where he managed scores of 0 and 25 on a faster, bouncier surface.

Manjrekar believes Padikkal’s ability against spin should influence India’s selection decisions even when Sudharsan becomes available again. He argued that the Karnataka batter should continue at No. 3 on turning pitches because of his back-foot play, defence and ability to attack spinners. Padikkal will now look to build on his unbeaten century when India resume their first innings on Day 2 of the Galle Test.

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