Devdutt Padikkal Increases India's Top Order Headache For Sri Lanka Tests

Devdutt Padikkal and Yashasvi Jaiswal [Source: AFP]

Team India have already begun their preparations for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which will kick off in the middle of August. Ahead of the important two-match tour, the Men in Blue have started an intense practice session at the MCC Ground in Colombo. 

It is only August 5, but the visitors have already arrived in Sri Lanka to acclimatise themselves to the spin-friendly conditions. However, one major concern that emerged was Devdutt Padikkal.

Padikkal, who last played a Test match back in 2024 against Australia, has been reinstated in the squad after his notable performances in the Sri Lanka A tour. Yet, his performances during the Indian team's practice session have only aggravated the concerns surrounding India's top batting order.

Devdutt Padikkal struggles in the nets ahead of the IND vs SL Tests

Except for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, India haven't done well with the bat in red-ball cricket. The top order, mainly comprising KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, has now also brought Devdutt Padikkal into the mix ahead of the sub-continental assignment to find a solution.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter, who is known for his T20 exploits, has been called up after his impressive knocks in the India A vs Sri Lanka A Tests, where he averaged 57.67 while scoring 173 runs in three innings. In the Ranji Trophy too, Padikkal impressed with 543 runs at an average of 54.30.

However, his recent form in the net session has only increased head coach Gautam Gambhir's headaches. Indian batters have struggled against quality spin in recent times, and now, on Sri Lankan turners, Padikkal found it comparatively difficult against deliveries turning back into him. 

Also Read- BCCI's Wrist-Spin Strategy For Sri Lanka Tour: Short-Term Fix Or Paradigm Shift?

As per Time Now, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal appeared to be in solid touch; however, Padikkal's struggle against spin coming into him has added yet another concern. If the Indian cricket team is planning to push him up the batting order and hand him the responsibility of anchoring, Sri Lanka's spin attack could triumph if Padikkal is unable to hold one end. 

Noticeably, Gautam Gambhir was present throughout the session, constantly monitoring the intensity of the training, and was also seen advising Devdutt Padikkal and the others on the improvements they could incorporate.

Who can be threats for Devdutt Padikkal in Sri Lanka?

Padikkal, being a left-hander, can face significant trouble from left-arm spinners like Prabath Jayasuriya, who has been extraordinary with the ball over the last two years. The left-arm spinner has taken 54 wickets in 21 innings since 2024 while averaging 37.33 and maintaining an economy rate of 3.24. 

Sonal Dinusha, a 25-year-old Sri Lankan prospect who recently impressed during the West Indies tour, can also pose a threat with his left-arm spin. The Colombo-born spinner has already taken six wickets since making his debut in 2025 and boasts an average of 49.33, with best figures of 3 for 22. If Padikkal wants to succeed in Sri Lankan conditions, he will have to counter these threats in his innings.

How can Gautam Gambhir & Co. manage the Padikkal problem?

So far, in Test cricket, Devdutt Padikkal has batted at No. 3 and No. 4, featuring in three Test innings and averaging 30.00. Hence, if he is given a chance in the playing XI, it is likely that Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill will look to use him in similar positions and expect him to anchor the innings if an early collapse occurs. 

In that scenario, an early collapse might actually help Padikkal shine because it would mean he faces more pace bowling, against which he is comparatively stronger. However, if Padikkal walks in on Day 2 or later in the match, especially in the second innings, he might struggle because the pitch will offer greater assistance to the spinners. 

Moreover, if Prabath Jayasuriya and Sonal Dinusha are included in Sri Lanka's playing XI, they could become the primary threats for the RCB batter as seen in his struggle against incoming spin bowling.

Also Read- Not Cricket, Ishan Kishan’s Secret Government Job For India Revealed