Overview
- Padikkal finished the Sri Lanka Tests with 328 runs in three innings, including scores of 167 and a second century, and was named Player of the Series.
- He was drafted in at number three for the injured Sai Sudharsan and made the most of the opportunity by batting with clear intent and authority.
- Padikkal credited specific, targeted preparation for handling Sri Lankan spin as a key reason for his back-to-back hundreds.
- Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane praised Padikkal's approach and said he has "temporarily sealed" the No.3 spot while warning that New Zealand's different conditions will be a tougher test.
- Those Sri Lanka scores build on an exceptional domestic run—big numbers in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and a strong IPL—yet the upcoming New Zealand tour will likely decide whether he secures a long-term place.