The number three position in Test cricket is a sacred territory for the Indian cricket team. For decades, stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara set the gold standard, demonstrating how a rock-solid anchor can swing the tides of a match. However, since Pujara’s exit, finding a suitable replacement has become a puzzling conundrum for the team management.
Shubman Gill, the current Test captain, initially took up the mantle after vacating his opening slot for Yashasvi Jaiswal. Yet, the demanding role proved tough to tame. In his 16 matches batting at number three, Gill managed 972 runs at a modest average of 37.38. While he notched three centuries and three fifties, consistency eluded him.
Gill found his true rhythm only after being appointed Test skipper and moving down to the iconic number four slot. His shift reopened the massive void at number three. While Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair were handed opportunities, neither could cement the spot. Now, ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur, the race has narrowed down to two exciting young talents.
THE CONTINENTAL CONTENDERS
Following a gruelling domestic calendar and the Indian Premier League, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has hinted that the shoot-out for the coveted spot is now between Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan.
Padikkal enters the frame on the back of a sensational all-format domestic season and a stellar IPL campaign. The elegant left-hander amassed 543 runs at a stunning average of 60.33 in just six Ranji Trophy games, and mirrored that dominance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 309 runs at an average of 61. He carried that blistering form into the IPL, helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru defend their crown by chipping in with 464 runs at an average of 33.14, a strike-rate of 168.72, and three crucial half-centuries.
On the other hand, Sudharsan has been in and out of the red-ball setup. Though his initial stints at number three failed to set the stage alight, his immense potential keeps him firmly in the selectors’ plans, backed heavily by a monstrous IPL 2026 campaign for the Gujarat Titans. The young batter enjoyed an exceptional season, racking up 722 runs across 17 matches at an average of 45.13 and a strike-rate of 157.98, which included eight half-centuries and a brilliant top score of 100. He also enjoyed a productive run for Tamil Nadu in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, smashing 192 runs at an average of 38.40 and an unbeaten century.
THE PROMISE OF PATIENCE
With India desperate to solidify their batting order for the World Test Championship cycle, Ten Doeschate admitted that the constant chopping and changing needs to stop. He promised that whoever gets the nod on Saturday will be backed completely.
“Look, there’s been a lot of changes in that spot and that’s not ideal,” Ten Doeschate said at a press conference in Mullanpur. “You need to look at the incumbents for that role and maybe stick to something. It’s a difficult position to bat and a very important position to bat.”
The assistant coach emphasised that both contenders bring great form into the camp, which offers a good headache for the management. More importantly, he assured that the selected batsman would not have to play under the constant fear of the axe.
“I think whoever plays will be given a bit of rope,” he added. “It’s quite difficult with one Test match now, and then we don’t play a Test match for another two months. We need to factor that in, but the main point is we want to make a decision and then trust that player to grow into the role.”
However, with critical World Test Championship points on the line, the coach concluded with a firm reminder: “We don’t have time to bed people in.” The pressure is on, and the long rope awaits.
– Ends
