Subhayan Chakraborty, Galle
Fresh off a career-defining performance in the opening Test against Sri Lanka, Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal reflected on the tactical clarity required at No. 3 and his match-defining partnerships with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.
Padikkal emerged as the linchpin of India’s batting effort across both innings at the Galle International Stadium. Having laid the foundation with a majestic maiden Test hundred (167) in the first innings to help India post 462, the left-hander backed it up with a vital 44 in the second innings. India were eventually bowled out for 193, setting Sri Lanka a daunting fourth-innings target of 372 on a pitch showing significant deterioration.
Transitioning between high-octane franchise white-ball cricket and the rigours of Test matches is among modern cricket’s toughest challenges, but Padikkal revealed that his technique has always been anchored in first-class fundamentals.
“I think I’ve always been aware that red-ball is my ultimate goal,” Padikkal explained at the post-Day 4 press conference. “I’ve always tried to model my game in such a way that I don’t go too far away from my basics. I don’t try to do things that are completely outside the framework of the red-ball game. That’s what helps me when I make that shift… I try to make sure that I’m in a place where I’m always really quick to switch to red-ball because that’s my first priority.”
With injuries causing frequent shifts at the crucial No. 3 slot, alternating between Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan, Padikkal remained pragmatic about team dynamics and competition for places.
“Cricket has its injuries and things like that happen. Sai has been doing well for us over the last few games, and he’s a very talented player as well,” Padikkal noted. “At the end of the day, whoever gets that opportunity, it’s important that we take that opportunity and try and help the team win.”
Addressing the tactical demands and conversations around batting in the top three, Padikkal added: “Honestly, mindsets don’t change that much. I try to keep things as simple as possible, try not to really overthink it, and try not to make plans too much. At the end of the day, I have to go out there and react to what’s coming at me. In terms of discussions with Rahul [Dravid] sir, he’s always been a great support. I made my debut under him, and he’s always been open to having a chat whenever I’ve needed to.”
India’s grip on the match was tightened by key partnerships. In both innings, Padikkal combined with state-mate KL Rahul, stitching together a crucial 65-run stand on Day 4 after India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early.
“Batting with KL, it’s always been enjoyable,” Padikkal said. “I think we play well with each other; it’s a good partnership that we have. He understands the way I bat, the tempo in which I bat, and I do the same as well. When you have that kind of chemistry, it helps in stitching that partnership and really pushing the limits.”
Following their stand, Rishabh Pant unleashed a counter-attacking blitz, smashing 66 off just 69 balls.
“It’s great entertainment,” Padikkal beamed when asked about Pant’s knock. “He is one of those batters who you love to watch every day of the week, and he produces moments like he did today. He really took the game to them and put them under a lot of pressure. He can win games on his own.”
With Sri Lanka facing a steep chase of 372 and the surface beginning to take sharp turn from the stumps, Padikkal warned against complacency heading into the final day.
“In Galle, you expect from the third day onwards for the game to quicken up a little bit,” he observed. “Initially, it was turning probably from fourth, fifth stump, and now it’s starting to turn from the stumps as well. For us, trying to get 10 wickets, that’s a really good sign.
“It’ll take a lot of patience; it’s not going to be easy. We have a really varied and potent bowling attack. When you have so much variety in your attack, we are always in with a chance, and I’m sure they’ll come into the game a lot more.”
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The post ‘Red-ball is my ultimate goal’: Devdutt Padikkal relishing No. 3 responsibility as India close in on Galle victory appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
