India vs Afghanistan Test Squad- RCB Batter Called Back To Take Number 3 Spot

RCB Batter Called Back To Take Number 3 Spot [Source: AFP]

India is set to host Afghanistan in a one-off Test match in June. Ahead of the game, a former legendary Indian spinner has backed RCB’s youngster to grab the no. 3 spot in India’s Test team.

The India vs Afghanistan Test is not part of the WTC cycle. Moreover, with the gap between the Test and IPL final being smaller, the selectors might opt to rest seniors and try some new faces.

Ravichandran Ashwin wants Devdutt Padikkal back in whites

Meanwhile, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly backed Devdutt Padikkal to become India’s long-term No. 3 in Test cricket after the left-hander’s impressive IPL 2026 performances for defending champions RCB.

In 12 games, he has scored 367 runs at a 172.30 strike rate. Even with RCB, Padikkal plays at number 3. According to Ashwin, Padikkal has developed technically over the last few years, especially against spin bowling. 

“I want Devdutt Padikkal to be India’s No. 3 in Test cricket. He has batted so well, and he deserves to be an incumbent Test player for India. He should be given a long-term chance," Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

He pointed out that the batter now uses sweeps, reverse sweeps, and footwork far more proactively compared to his earlier approach, when he mostly played spinners off the back foot.

“If you look at his sixes, it is all about the timing. When I see his batting, I feel that there is a little bit of Dinesh Karthik’s imprint. He is very proactive against spinners. He was there with me in RR, and at the time, he used to play spinners on the back foot. Now, he plays the reverse sweep and sweep. He also has the feet usage," he added.

Notably, Devdutt Padikkal has already played two Tests for India in 2024 and is once again entering the conversation after a strong IPL 2026 campaign.

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Ashwin questioned Sai Sudharsan’s selection

Since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma quit the Test format, India entered a new era under the leadership of Shubman Gill. For the no. 3 spot, they opted for Sai Sudharsan, which was a strange call, according to Ravi Ashwin.

“Padikkal was the front runner in the race for the Test cricket team, but Sai Sudharsan surpassed him. Sudharsan is also a good player, but he batted ahead of Padikkal. How did he get that opportunity?" Ravichandran Ashwin said.

He feels Devdutt Padikkal was the frontrunner for that spot, but because Sai Sudharsan won the Orange Cap in IPL 2025, he was preferred over the RCB batter.

"Because he was the Orange Cap holder in IPL. Whether it is right or wrong, if you perform in IPL along with First-Class cricket, your selection becomes much easier. But I am happy, Padikkal’s talent and ability is coming out this season."

That being said, Sai has been ordinary as well, scoring 302 runs in 11 Test innings at 27.45 average. Hence, going forward, his spot will also be questioned like this, thus paving the way for Devdutt Padikkal to re-enter the fight.

Devdutt Padikkal gets Gautam Gambhir’s support

Meanwhile, according to Cricblogger, Devdutt Padikkal is currently the frontrunner to play at number 3 for India in Tests. Apparently, the RCB batter has the support of head coach Gautam Gambhir, who rates the former very highly.

As for Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill is backing him as well. But with poor numbers, he could face the axe soon. 

Devdutt Padikkal, for that matter, has scored 90 runs in 3 Test innings with a fifty. However, in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, he hammered 543 runs in 10 innings at 60.33 average, including 2 hundreds and a fifty.

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