In a series of memorable events, Devdutt Padikkal grabbed his chance with both hands by scoring his maiden Test century on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium in Galle. The left-handed batter stayed unbeaten on 131 off 178 deliveries, helping India reach a commanding 288/2 in 73 overs before rain brought an early end to day's play.
Sanjay Manjrekar praises Devdutt Padikkal
Reacting to the remarkable knock, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his take on Devdutt's potential by urging the team management to let him bat at No.3, even when Sai Sudharsan comes back from injury.
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In an interaction with Sony Sports, the former India batter praised Padikkal's brilliant technique against quality spin bowling attack, stating the left-handed batter has good defensive and attacking shots and is quite good in rotating the strike.
"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," said Manjrekar.
While continuing, Manjrekar requested the team management led by Gautam Gambhir to continue with Padikkal as the preferred No.3 batter on turning tracks, as he looks quite formidable than Sai against spin bowling.
"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 added.
Great transformation in Padikkal's batting
The knock in Galle was a complete different from Padikkal's last appearance in red-ball cricket in Perth, where the pace and bounce challenged him and resulted in scores of 0 and 25. This time, the left-handed batter appeared far more comfortable at the crease, batting with confidence and making Sri Lanka's bowlers pay whenever they missed their lengths.
It will be interesting to see if Devdutt can continue his red-hot form in the remainder of the series as the Shubman Gill-led side will aim to bank on the strong start provided by him in the first Test.