Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara backed Devdutt Padikkal at the crucial number three spot in Test cricket, but added that his long-term prospects depend on tougher challenges that lie ahead.
“Devdutt has been outstanding. Because unfortunately Sai (Sudharsan) was not fit,” Pujara said during a virtual media interaction organised by Sony Sports Network on Saturday, he got the opportunity.
“But Devdutt was ready — the way he has been performing in domestic circuit and IPL, we have seen that he has worked on his game, he has improved his technique.”
The 38-year-old called on the team management to rally behind spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was not among the wickets at Galle. Because you are not getting too many overs,” he said, if you are a third spinner, you are bound to have moments where you are not picking up wickets. Pujara added that Sudharsan should be accommodated in the team when fit. “India should go ahead with Devdutt at number three for some time, but you cannot leave someone like Sudarshan out of India’s Test squad. The real test for Padikkal will come when India faces New Zealand (away) and Australia (in India) in the next six months. “I hope the team management and captain show a little more faith on him.
I am not saying that he should be batting at three, but he should be there in the scheme of things,” he said. “If Devdutt performs consistently in both those series, then he will cement his spot,” Pujara said.