Introduction
As the Indian cricket team prepares for a one‑off Test against Afghanistan in early June 2026, the focus has shifted from the usual headlines of IPL fireworks to the more nuanced challenges of the longest format. A recent net session in Mullanpur, conducted under scorching temperatures close to 40 °C, gave observers a glimpse of two pivotal selection dilemmas: who will occupy the ever‑shifting No. 3 batting slot and which of two promising left‑arm spinners will replace the rested Ravindra Jadeja. The outcomes of these decisions could shape India’s trajectory in the World Test Championship and influence the next generation of Test specialists.
What happened
During the Thursday training session, the Indian side combined intense catching drills with a full‑scale batting practice. Slip fielders Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal took first, second and fourth slip positions, while Dev Padikkal, the Karnataka batsman, occupied third slip and displayed sharp reflexes. After the fielding work, the batting order was examined closely. Reports from the session suggest a close contest between Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan for the No. 3 spot, a position that has seen seven different players since Cheteshwar Pujara’s exit. Simultaneously, with all‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja rested, the selectors are weighing the debut of 23‑year‑old left‑arm spinners Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar.
Key details
Padikkal’s credentials include a prolific Ranji Trophy season where he amassed 532 runs at an average of 66.50, highlighted by a double‑century (232) in the semifinal against Uttarakhand. He has already featured in two Tests, the most recent being the 2024‑25 Border‑Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. Sai Sudharsan, by contrast, has batted at No. 3 in 11 Test innings, averaging 27.45 with only two half‑centuries. The coaching staff, led by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, emphasized the need for stability at No. 3, noting that frequent changes have hampered the team’s rhythm. On the spin front, Harsh Dubey claimed 69 wickets in Vidarbha’s title‑winning 2024‑25 Ranji campaign and has nine first‑class fifties, while Manav Suthar boasts 90 wickets across formats in 2022‑23, a first‑class century, and regular India A appearances.
Background and context
India’s recent dominance in limited‑overs cricket has not translated into consistent success in Test matches, especially at home where the team has struggled to find a reliable No. 3. The role traditionally demands a blend of technique, temperament and the ability to anchor innings while rotating the strike. Since Pujara’s retirement, the position has become a revolving door, with players such as Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul rotating in and out. The lack of a settled No. 3 has been highlighted by the team’s current standing in the World Test Championship, where every series carries weight. Additionally, Jadeja’s rest—part of a workload‑management plan—creates a rare opening for a specialist spinner, a role India has historically filled with seasoned veterans like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
Why it matters
Stability at No. 3 can influence the entire batting order. A dependable player in that slot can absorb early pressure, allowing openers to play with freedom and the middle order to accelerate later. For a team chasing points in the World Test Championship, a solid No. 3 could be the difference between a draw and a win. Likewise, the spin‑bowling succession is crucial because India’s home pitches often favor turn. Introducing a left‑arm spinner who can also contribute useful runs adds depth to the side and provides a fresh tactical option against teams like Afghanistan, who have shown competence against spin in recent encounters.
Impact on readers/fans/users
Indian cricket fans, accustomed to the high‑octane drama of the IPL, will find the Test selection narrative both familiar and fresh. The debate over Padikkal versus Sudharsan taps into regional loyalties—Karnataka’s Padikkal versus Tamil Nadu’s Sudharsan—while the spin‑bowling duel showcases emerging talent from Vidarbha and Rajasthan. For followers of the World Test Championship, these decisions signal how seriously the BCCI is taking the points race. Moreover, the inclusion of younger players may inspire aspiring cricketers who see a clearer pathway from domestic success to the highest level.
What happens next
The final XI for the Afghanistan Test is expected to be announced shortly before the match on Saturday. If Padikkal secures the No. 3 slot, he will partner with Shubman Gill and KL Rahul in the top order, while the spin department could feature Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar and either Dubey or Suthar. The outcome of the match will provide immediate feedback: a solid performance from the new No. 3 or debutant spinner could cement their places, while a poor showing may prompt a re‑evaluation before the next Test series, which includes two home Tests later in the year.
Signal News Post analysis
From an analytical standpoint, Padikkal’s domestic record suggests a higher ceiling than Sudharsan’s modest Test numbers. Padikkal’s ability to play long innings, as evidenced by his 232 in the Ranji semifinal, aligns with the demands of No. 3. However, his limited Test exposure means he must adapt quickly to the intensity of international red‑ball cricket. On the spin side, Dubey’s accuracy and recent wicket haul make him a compelling choice for a debut, especially on sub‑continental pitches that reward disciplined line and length. Suthar’s all‑round abilities—particularly his first‑class century—offer a dual‑skill advantage, but his experience is largely at the India A level. Ten Doeschate’s comments hint that the team may favor a “batting‑capable” spinner, which could tilt the balance toward Suthar.
FAQ
- Why is the No. 3 position considered so important? It is the first true “middle‑order” slot, requiring a player who can both consolidate after early wickets and accelerate when set, influencing the innings’ overall shape.
- Has Dev Padikkal played Test cricket before? Yes, he has two Test caps, the latest being in the 2024‑25 Border‑Gavaskar series in Perth.
- What are the main differences between Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar? Dubey is known for his control and recent Ranji success (69 wickets), while Suthar brings a higher wicket tally (90 across formats) and a proven batting record, including a first‑class century.
- Why is Ravindra Jadeja resting? The BCCI is managing his workload to preserve his longevity across formats, especially after a busy IPL and limited‑overs schedule.
- How does this Test fit into the World Test Championship? It is a single‑match series that contributes points toward the championship table; a win or draw can affect India’s ranking and qualification prospects.
Source credit
Information compiled from the Times of India article “What India nets revealed: Devdutt Padikkal’s No. 3 push as Test debut beckons for Harsh Dubey or Manav Suthar” by Pratyush Raj, published 4 June 2026.
Source: Original report
Editorial note: This article draft was generated for Signal News Post and must be reviewed before publishing. AI provider used: openrouter.