Devdutt Padikkal Makes 1st Comment On Sai Sudharsan After Scoring Century In His Absence

Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan [Source: X, AFP]

India's Devdutt Padikkal scored a majestic century against Sri Lanka on the opening day of the ongoing first Test in Galle. Making his return to the Indian Test side after a gap of nearly two years, the RCB star composed 167 runs off 230 balls with 15 boundaries and a six.

The innings marked Padikkal’s maiden Test century, achieving the feat in just the third match of his career. Notably, the cricketer was only included in the national playing XI as a replacement for regular number three batter Sai Sudharsan.

With Sudharsan yet to attain full recovery from his injury, the 26-year-old recently addressed his competition with the injured batter.

Devdutt Padikkal talks about Sai Sudharsan after century

Speaking with the reporters after stumps on Day 4, Devdutt Padikkal praised India’s first-choice number three batter Sai Sudharsan. 

When asked to address his competition with the Gujarat Titans star, Padikkal said that it does not matter which of the two players gets the opportunity at number three for Team India.

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The RCB champion further stated that the most important thing is to perform well for the national side at that position. He said “Sai has been doing well for us, very talented. Whoever gets that opportunity, should do well.”

Has Padikkal closed doors on Sai Sudharsan’s return?

With Devdutt Padikkal scoring a century on his return to Test cricket after a gap of nearly two years, several fans and cricket experts would argue that the 26-year-old might have made India’s number three position his own for the time being.

Moreover, Sai Sudharsan is yet to notch up a single Test century after playing seven matches for the side, and currently averages only 31.91 with the bat in the format.

It is worth noting that Sudharsan made his Test debut in England last year, and has since played India’s home series against West Indies, South Africa and Afghanistan. 

In the one-off Test against Afghanistan, the elegant left-hander scored a match-winning 81 in New Chandigarh.

Even though Devdutt Padikkal has proved his worth by making a comeback century, there is still a strong possibility of Sai Sudharsan making his return to the Indian Test side once he recovers from his injury. 

The Indian team management has previously recalled injured players after their respective injuries, and Sudharsan’s case could be no different once he regains full fitness and is available for selection.

Devdutt Padikkal smashes records with maiden century

Devdutt Padikkal made the most of his newfound opportunity for Team India as a replacement of Sai Sudharsan. For starters, the RCB star notched up the highest individual score for any Indian number three batter in Sri Lanka.

He also became one of only five Indian players to register a 150-plus score in Sri Lanka, joining an illustrious club featuring Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Cheteshwar Pujara, among others. 

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