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The Indian team management is preparing a stable playing XI to take on Afghanistan in the one-off Test starting from June 6 at the Maharaja Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh. Ahead of the match, some updates have emerged straight from the Men in Blue camp.
For the match in Whites, the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar has announced a mixed team of experienced and emerging talent. The number three batting position has remained an unsolved puzzle for the selectors since Virat Kohli’s retirement from this format. For that batting spot, the battle is likely to be between Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudarshan.
Multiple batsmen competing for the same spot
Sai Sudarshan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, captain Shubman Gill and even KL Rahul are among the batsmen in the current team who are eligible to bat for that spot. KL Rahul’s batting position can be decided on the basis of the opening pair.
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the two pure opening batsmen in the team. If both these batsmen come out to open the innings, then what will be the role of KL Rahul in the batting combination and who will represent the team at number 3? The Indian team management is looking for the answer before the first day of the one-off Test.
Devdutt Padikkal can be the new number 3 after Sai Sudarshan
Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudarshan both were seen having batting sessions in the nets. PTI journalist Kushan Sarkar has claimed on social media platform ‘X’ that the chances of seeing Devdutt Padikkal at number three are more than Sai Sudarshan.
If Padikkal opts for the No. 3 role, Sai Sudarshan’s batting position will be under question. Dhruv Jurel’s chances of playing the match are also uncertain, as is Rishabh Pant as the keeper-batsman.
The ‘X’ post reads, “Devdutt Padikkal looks to overtake Sai Sudarshan for No. 3. Slip formation – Gill, Rahul, DDP and Jurel. Once Rahul walks out to bat, Sai comes in.”
Devdutt Padikkal seems to be overtaking Sai Sudarshan for number 3.
slip formation
Gill, Rahul, DDP and Jurel.
Once Rahul walked out to bat, Sai came in. #INDvAFG #ICT– Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) June 4, 2026
Pant is considered one of the most exciting batsmen and X-factor of Team India in Tests. If the management wants extra aggression in batting then Pant is a definite option.
Padikkal vs Sudarshan test stats comparison
Padikkal’s selection at No. 3 makes sense as he has played a lot of matches in that role; He knows the role of number three batsman very well. In his overall career, Devdutt Padikkal has played only one Test match in that position, scoring 25 runs in two innings. for 4th Status, this Kerala born player has scored 65 runs in an innings.
On the other hand, Sai Sudarshan has played 6 Tests in the same condition. In 6 matches and 11 innings, the young batsman has scored 302 runs at an average of 27.45, including a highest score of 45.
In terms of stats, Sudarshan has better numbers than Padikkal, and both the batsmen have also done essential jobs for their respective teams in the franchise. Then, if the selectors want to pick one of these two batsmen for the same spot, who is most deserving? Overall, the data and the latest trends have made the situation more complex.
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