Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth did not agree with Head Coach Gautam Gambhir‘s statements on backing Sai Sudharsan for an extended period, following Devdutt Padikkal‘s fireworks in Galle during the first India vs Sri Lanka Test. Sai has been playing at the No. 3 position since mid-last year, but was ruled out of the Sri Lanka tour due to a toe injury.
Kris Srikkanth Comments on Devdutt Padikkal & Gautam Gambhir
As a result of Sai Sudharsan being ruled out of the Sri Lanka tour, Devdutt Padikkal replaced him at No. 3 in the series opener at Galle. He scored a whopping 211 runs across the two innings, include a magnificent 167 in the first innings. Kris Srikkanth believes that this performance is enough to cement Padikkal’s position as the No.3 batter in Tests, even after Sai’s return.
On his YouTube channel, Cheeky Cheeka, Kris Srikkanth addressed Coach Gambhir’s statements regarding the Sai Sudharsan- Devdutt Paddikal debate for No.3 by saying,
“Gambhir has no work. How can you replace Padikkal going forward with the 200+ runs he has scored in the first Test? Gambhir just says something, and anyway he has no work in the Sri Lankan series because Sri Lanka is a bad side and India will surely win. He’ll jump after winning against sides like Sri Lanka and Afghanistan,”Â
“I am not trying to be harsh on Gambhir. He was a good player and is a good reader of the game. But he can be a bit more communicative. He was very effective as a player, though,” he added.
Stern Test for India
Paddikal’s heroics at the crease helped India gain a 1-0 lead in the series by registering a comprehensive 165-run win over the Lankan Lions. Its quite crystal clear that head coach Gautam Gambhir has changed batting orders drastically. Devdutt Padikkal made the most of the opportunity by smashing a century as his calm & aggressive mindset proved to be the difference.
There is a lot of uncertainty about whether Sarfaraz Khan will get a chance in the playing 11 despite having a magnificent domestic average of 64. It’s somewhat clear that Gambhir has absolute power in selecting the playing 11. A win for India at Colombo can take them closer to qualifying for the ICC WTC 2025-27 final & also keep their WTC 2025-27 final chances alive.