Former Indian batter Ajay Jadeja has showered praise on India’s No.3 batter Devdutt Padikkal for his consistent performances throughout the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, as he was adjudged the player of the series.
Speaking on Sony Sports Network, Jadeja reckoned that the Southpaw batter can open or bat at No.3 in the longest format of the game. Notably, Padikkal ended as India’s leading run-scorer, amassing 328 runs from three innings.
“He not only showed stroke-making, but also temperament. He made big scores. He didn’t let go of the opportunity he got. As you said, he got the boarding pass late, but after that, he sat in the wrong seat. Two catches were also dropped. However, he then sat in his seat again and scored a hundred,” Jadeja said on Sony Sports Network.
“Sometimes one throws those chances. Those catches were after scoring a hundred, but he scored a century again after those catches were dropped. He himself said that it doesn’t matter to him whether he is played at No. 3 or not. He is that kind of player. He can open or play at No. 3,” he added.
Furthermore, Ajay Jadeja asserted that he has liked Padikkal for a long time, adding that he is not a power hitter. He went on to state that Team India would be highly beneficial because of the batter’s impressive skills against spin.
“I am very happy for him. When you like a player or see something in him, you get attached to him. I have been his fan for four years. When he used to play in the IPL as well, he is a rare player in today’s day who is not a power player, and in that format where I first saw him. I have become his fan since then,” he said.
“If you look at it from India’s perspective, all players are good, but someone’s strength is that they play pace and swing well, and someone’s strength is that they play spin well. In the last five Tests India have lost in India, we have not been able to play spin as batters. So, his addition there, and India have to play five matches against Australia in the WTC, is a great sign for the Indian team,” Jadeja concluded.
