Ravichandran Ashwin wants Devdutt Padikkal to bat at No.3 for India in Test cricket

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is going through an excellent campaign in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The bowling and batting department of the defending champions have performed brilliantly so far. However, Devdutt Padikkal is one of players who remain unsung despite their valuable contribution.

Ravichandran Ashwin wants Devdutt Padikkal to play Test cricket

Surprisingly, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his wish to see Padikkal bat at No.3 for the Indian Test team. In the recent past, Indian team have given chances to various players like Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan at the spot. However, none of them established themselves at the position. Padikkal, who has played two Tests for India, can be a very good option as he is a terrific batter against pace and spin.

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Appearing on his official YouTube Channel, Ashwin argued that Padikkal should be given a long rope in Test cricket to bat at No.3, as he truly deserves to be a part of the Indian setup.

"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," said Ashwin.

While talking further, Ashwin noted Padikkal's improvement while facing spin bowling, as the left-handed batter has added sweep and reverse sweep in his armory. The former India spinner observes an imprint of Dinesh Karthik in Padikkal's batting, as the latter has become very proactive against spin.

“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," Ashwin added.

Devdutt Padikkal's performance in IPL 2026

Devdutt Padikkal has been very impressive for the Rajat Patidar-led RCB this season with the bat, consistently dropping impactful performances against the opposition teams. The left handed batter has managed to amass 367 runs at an average of 36.70 with a high strike rate of 172.30.

The left-handed batter has scored three fifties so far this season, with his highest score being 61 off 26, consisting of seven fours and four sixes.