Devdutt Padikkal Named India A Captain: Hint Over Sai Sudharsan for India’s No. 3?

The Indian Test Cricket Team has been in a transition phase and is continuously looking for an India No. 3 Test batter after Cheteshwar Pujara retired and the No. 3 spot became vacant. Since then, the management has tried various cricketers at that spot and in the past year, they have almost fixed Sai Sudharsan as India No. 3 Test batter, but after his injury and Devdutt Padikkal's exceptional performance in recent Test series, there has been confusion about who will take the spot for a longer period of time.

India A is all set to play a two-match unofficial Test series against Australia A, and the skipper for the multi-day squad is Devdutt Padikkal, with Sai as his deputy, which has sparked speculation that it may be a hint towards the India No. 3 Test batter.

Devdutt Padikkal India A Captain Hints Towards Permanent India No. 3?

After the India A squad has been announced for the IND A vs AUS A 2026 series, the multi-day squad will be led by Devdutt Padikkal, with Sai Sudharsan vice captain. This selection of captain and vice-captain has sparked discussion that this might be a hint towards the long-term plan for the India No. 3 Test batter.

Devdutt Padikkal's performance in the Sri Lanka Test series, followed by selection in the Duleep Trophy 2026 and scoring runs there as well, might risk Sai Sudharsan's place in the Test side. Padikkal has emerged as one of the best batsmen in India and has shown a lot of potential to rule Indian Test Cricket. Therefore, fans can take the selection of Devdutt Padikkal India A captain as a hint towards his future in the Indian Test Cricket Team. Here is the India A Multi-Day squad:

Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal [C], Sai Sudharsan [VC], Yash Rathod, Shaik Rasheed, Kumar Kushagra [WK], Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Anshul Kamboj, Praful Hinge, N Jagadeesan [WK], Nachiket Bhute, V Vyshak*.

Who is Better at No. 3 in Test? Padikkal or Sudharsan

Devdutt Padikkal currently has the edge over Sai Sudharsan for India’s Test No. 3 spot. His strong red-ball record and recent form give him an advantage, especially after scoring back-to-back centuries in his recent opportunities. Padikkal now has an impressive Test average of 70+ at No. 3, while Sudharsan’s average stands at 31.92. Sudharsan is a talented batter, but Padikkal’s recent performances could put him ahead in the race for the No. 3 spot.