Former Indian keeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has revealed his choice for India’s No.3 position between Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan. Notably, Padikkal emerged as the player of the series in the recently concluded two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, which India won by 1-0.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Deep Dasgupta asserted that Padikkal should start as India’s No.3 batter in the forthcoming two-match Test tour of New Zealand, courtesy of a massive change in his batting technique.
“Devdutt Padikkal appeared very different from what he was a year, year and a half before. He has worked really hard on his game. His footwork has improved. His basic structure has changed a lot, and that is a huge positive. I think it’s a no-brainer that in the next Test in New Zealand, your first choice has to be Devdutt. Sai would have to wait. He’s got his chances. At this point in time, Devdutt has to be your number three,” Deep Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.
While Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the Sri Lankan tour due to an injury, Padikkal grabbed the opportunity with both hands, scoring 328 runs from three innings at an average of 109.33 to emerge as India’s leading run-scorer.
Further, the former Indian stumper has showered praise on the left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, calling him a big positive from the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka. Suthar scalped 16 wickets from four innings at an average of 21.06 with the best figures of 6/55.
“He is very orthodox and has good action. He is a big positive. Good that he can bat, but he can improve a bit. Because he has the ability to bat and has an idea to bowl with the Kookaburra as well. Let’s say he improves his batting a bit more, it opens up the option for you to play two spinners. Maybe he cannot become a batting all-rounder, but can always be a bowler who can contribute with the bat. It is a massive positive,” he concluded.
