SL vs IND: Devdutt Padikkal Opens Up On His Favorite Format

After making a stunning comeback with 167 and 44 in Galle, Devdutt Padikkal has made it clear that the longest format remains at the heart of his ambitions. Devdutt Padikkal could hardly have asked for a better return to Test cricket. After nearly two years away from India’s red-ball setup, the left-hander walked back into the side and immediately made a statement, scoring 167 in the first innings and 44 in the second against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The 211-run match aggregate played a major role in India’s 165-run victory, with Devdutt Padikkal being named Player of the Match. But beyond the numbers, Devdutt Padikkal’s comments after the game revealed where his ambitions truly lie: Test cricket remains his ultimate goal. 

Devdutt Padikka’s Comeback Built Around Red-Ball Cricket

Devdutt Padikkal’s return was not simply about getting back into the Indian team. It was an opportunity to prove that the work he had put into his red-ball game could translate at the highest level.

Speaking after his century, Padikkal explained that he has deliberately modelled his game around red-ball cricket and considers the format his first priority. His approach was evident in Galle, where he showed patience against Sri Lanka’s spin attack while still maintaining enough intent to keep the scoreboard moving. 

“I think I have always been aware that Test cricket is my ultimate goal. So, I have tried to model my game in such a way that I don’t go too far away from my basics. I try to make sure that I am in a place that I am always equipped to switch to red ball because that is my first priority,”

“In white-ball cricket, I have a particular set-up that helps me play a lot more shots and, you know, freeze my arms up a little bit. But in red-ball cricket, it’s important that I tighten that side of my game… just my hands being a little closer in red-ball cricket,”

“But at the same time, mentally, it’s important that I make that shift. It’s not an easy thing to do when you keep shifting from white-ball to red-ball cricket. But I think I have got better at it and, hopefully, I can keep improving on it,”

Its a highly result driven business- Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal opened up on batting at No.3 batting position. Padikkal made it very much clear that the batters have to make the most of any batting opportunities rather than waiting for a special designated batting position

“I don’t think those kinds of conversations (a long run at No. 3) take place. It’s important that whenever you get that opportunity, you have to take it. I don’t really go looking for those conversations,”

“I don’t really put too much emphasis on getting a run of games or things like that because in modern-day cricket, you cannot really expect those kinds of things. It’s a highly result-driven business. Whenever you go out there, you are expected to,”

“If you are not doing that, you are always on the line in terms of your performance, your job or whatever it may be. I think for me, whenever I go out there, I try to score runs. If I am doing that, I am sure I will play more games,”

167: More Than Just a Maiden Century

Padikkal’s first-innings 167 was the defining innings of the match. Coming in at No. 3, he absorbed pressure before gradually taking control. His innings helped India reach 462/9 declared, giving the visitors a platform from which their bowlers could attack Sri Lanka. Padikkal’s century was his maiden Test hundred and came after he had spent a considerable period working his way back into contention. 

The innings was also significant because it came in his first Test appearance since the opening match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth.Rather than treating his return as a one-off opportunity, Padikkal turned it into a statement of intent.

44 More Runs When India Needed Them

Padikkal’s contribution did not end with the century. In India’s second innings, Devdutt Padikkal added 44, helping India build a target of 372 for Sri Lanka. That meant he finished the Test with 211 runs, making him one of the central figures in India’s victory. 

The second innings was arguably just as important from an analytical perspective. After spending so much time at the crease in the first innings, Padikkal had to adapt again rather than simply rely on the confidence of his century.

A Bigger Fight for the No. 3 Spot

Padikkal’s performance also creates an interesting selection conversation for India. Padikkal was brought into the squad after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out through injury, and his immediate success at No. 3 gives the team management another strong option in the position. However, India’s batting setup now has depth rather than a simple one-player solution. 

For Padikkal, though, the priority appears much clearer than the selection debate.His message is simple: Test cricket is where he wants to build his legacy. And after a comeback worth 211 runs, Devdutt Padikkal has made sure India have plenty of reasons to keep watching.

Also Read: SL vs IND: India Aims To Clean Sweep Sri Lanka