Can Devdutt Padikkal retain India's No. 3 spot in New Zealand?

Devdutt Padikkal scored consistently at number three during India's 1-0 Test series win against Sri Lanka, earning player-of-the-series honours. Ajinkya Rahane stated that Padikkal had done enough to temporarily secure the position ahead of the New Zealand tour. The left-hander showed assurance in both innings across the two Tests.

India's spin resources remain thin after the series, with Manav Suthar emerging as a potential long-term option to replace Ravindra Jadeja. Padikkal's fielding efforts left visible marks on his back after standing for over 240 overs in testing conditions. The team management views his batting as the primary gain from the Sri Lanka tour.

New Zealand's conditions will present a different challenge, with seam movement and bounce likely to test Padikkal's technique more rigorously than the subcontinent surfaces.