India made a significant change to their batting lineup for the opening day of the Galle Test, with Devdutt Padikkal making the most of his opportunity at No. 3. The left-hander showcased tremendous composure against Sri Lanka’s spin attack and produced a memorable performance on a challenging surface.

Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131 at the close of play on Day 1, registering his maiden Test century and putting India in a strong position. His ability to combine solid defence with attacking strokeplay, particularly against spin, quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the day.

Sanjay Manjrekar backs Devdutt Padikkal for No. 3 spot

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar was highly impressed by Padikkal’s approach against the spinners and even suggested that India should continue with him at No. 3 when Sai Sudharsan returns from injury. Manjrekar believes Padikkal’s skill set makes him a valuable option on slow, turning pitches and specifically praised the left-hander’s ability to defend confidently, rotate the strike and attack when opportunities arise.

“Devdutt Padikkal god sent for India v spinners. Excellent technique, both in defence & attack,” Manjrekar wrote on X.

Speaking on Sony Sports, Manjrekar elaborated on what makes Padikkal particularly effective against spin. He highlighted the batter’s ability to rotate the strike when fields are spread while also possessing the range to attack when opportunities arise.

“Devdutt Padikkal was the big change that India had. I really think selection is so good that when you see Padikkal walk in and play spin so comfortably-because he’s good in defense against spin, he’s good at picking 1s and 2s when the field is slightly deep, and then he’s also good at playing attacking shots, and that too off the back foot on slow, turning pitches. That’s something remarkable. On slow, turning pitches, to hit shots off the back foot with a straight bat and the pull shot tells you that it’s somebody who wants to get onto the back foot,” Manjrekar said.

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Manjrekar wants Padikkal at No. 3 even after Sai Sudharsan returns

Padikkal’s century has now opened up an interesting selection debate for India’s management. While Sudharsan is expected to return once he recovers from his foot injury, Manjrekar believes Padikkal has done enough to retain the No. 3 position. The former batter pointed towards Padikkal’s ability to step down the pitch and attack spin in addition to his strong defensive technique.

“Along with that, he’s also got this knack of going down the pitch and hitting the ball over the sight screen. So on pitches where there is going to be an emphasis on spin, India should bat him at number 3 even if Sai Sudharsan comes back, because he looks such a formidable player against spin. I think it was godsent for India-Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3 with the kind of spin talent he has,” Manjrekar concluded.

He concluded by once again stressing how valuable Padikkal could be for India on spin-friendly pitches. With Padikkal having converted his opportunity into a maiden Test century, India now have another strong option in the middle order. His performance in Galle could therefore give the team management an interesting selection dilemma once Sudharsan is fit and available again.

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