'That is the need of the hour' - Wasim Jaffer mentions his choice for India's No. 3 role amid Padikkal vs Sudharsan debate

India are in the middle of their tour of Sri Lanka, where their two-Test series is a part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship. The opening Test at Galle from August 15-19 saw Devdutt Padikkal score a fluent 167 as India ended with 462 in the first innings, marking a strong start to the series. Padikkal reached his maiden Test century from 134 balls on Day 1, pushing his first-class average above 44 at age 26.

Padikkal would probably not have played this Test match had Sai Sudharsan not been ruled out with a stress fracture of the toe on August 9. India replaced the injured Sudharsan with another left-hand batter at No. 3, giving Padikkal his opportunity in the top order. Sudharsan, 24, had been their No. 3 batter until the injury and averages just under 43 in first-class cricket.

"I think Devdutt should be given the opportunity because his first-class numbers are very good. He has scored big hundreds and double hundreds while playing for Karnataka. As I said, he is a left-hander and plays in a slightly aggressive manner," Jaffer said in a video on his YouTube channel.

"And that is the need of the hour, in my opinion, considering the way cricket is being played these days. You need somebody who can come out there, take the pressure off, and put the bowlers under pressure. Devdutt is that player," he added.

Why Jaffer backs Padikkal's aggressive approach

Jaffer acknowledged Sudharsan's credentials but emphasised the value of Padikkal's approach. The former India opener noted that Sudharsan has time on his side and possesses a solid record, including IPL success and an Orange Cap award. However, Jaffer believes Padikkal's style offers a distinct advantage in modern cricket.

"I think Sai Sudharsan has time on his side. Perhaps Sudharsan is a slightly more conventional player. Even though he plays in the IPL and has won an Orange Cap as well, I feel Devdutt has a little bit of an edge," Jaffer said.

How Padikkal's style differs from Sudharsan's method

Padikkal's approach at the crease differs from Sudharsan's method. During the first Test, Padikkal preferred to stay back to spin but not quite the Sudharsan way; he looked to attack from the back foot, had the sweep and reverse-sweep, and danced down the track to mess with bowlers' lengths. This aggressive intent has caught the attention of observers.

Also Read: 'He is extremely serious about his batting,' - Venkatesh Prasad on Devdutt Padikkal after Galle heroics

"His batting style is very attacking, and that is nice because when your No. 3 comes in and puts the bowlers under pressure, it makes life easier for the other batsmen who follow. So, I feel Devdutt Padikkal is a perfect No," Jaffer stated.

"3 who can take the pressure off and set a good base for the team. I think this is a very good position for him, and I hope he gets opportunities at this number because once he gets set, he can go on to score a big hundred. He has that ability to score big hundreds, and that is something you need at the top of the order," he added.

The all-important second Test gets underway on Sunday, August 23, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. India have already bagged 12 WTC points from the series and would love to double their tally with another win next week.