With Sai Sudarshan ruled out of the Test series against Sri Lanka due to injury, Devdutt Padikkal was given the opportunity to play at number three, a position he successfully capitalized on. The veteran said that Sai's return will not be easy.

Indian Cricketer Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudarshan

Devdutt Padikkal has made a strong case for the number 3 spot in the Test series against Sri Lanka by scoring two consecutive centuries. He was given the opportunity to play at number three because Sai Sudarshan was ruled out of the series due to injury. Padikkal capitalized on this opportunity. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that even if Sai returns to the team after getting fit, it will be difficult for him to immediately secure a place.

Devdutt Padikkal received the Player of the Match award in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He scored a brilliant 167 in the first innings. He also scored a crucial 44 in the second innings. Padikkal also scored a century in the first innings of the second Test being played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo, scoring 117 runs. Aakash Chopra believes that Padikkal will now be preferred for the number 3 spot, and Sai Sudharshan will have to sit out despite being fit.

What did Aakash Chopra say?

Akash Chopra said on his YouTube channel, "Padikkal is batting brilliantly. I like him very much. Devdutt Padikkal is an amazing cricketer. He is a great player. Padikkal has scored more runs in 6 innings than Sai Sudharshan, who has scored 383 runs in 12 innings."

Aakash Chopra further said, "He has scored two consecutive centuries. He did get out to an off-spinner, but he was in great form. Now it is confirmed that he will have to sit out when Sai arrives. There will not be an immediate place for Sai."

India have a strong grip in the second Test

Batting first in the second Test in Colombo, India declared their first innings at 503/9. Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel scored centuries for India. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant also scored half-centuries. At the end of the third day's play, Sri Lanka had scored 265 for 8. Sri Lanka still needed 39 runs to avoid the follow-on. Dinusha, who scored a century in the first Test, is close to a century in this Test as well. He is batting on 85 and will continue Sri Lanka's first innings with Lahiru Kumara (8) on the fourth day.