- People closely following the fortunes of Indian cricket would vouch in unison that the supply chain possessed by the ecosystem is so full of promising and talented cricketers here is not only world-class but also includes some of the best with potential to be counted among the elite. Undeniably, the nerve center of cricket is India simply because of the popularity, following, and interest among the crazy fans. Consequently, since the billion-plus population is solidly rooting for the sport to flourish, big business houses are lining up with unheard-of investments to pump in to make the game even more alluring. Little wonder that cricket is chosen as a viable profession, offering young and promising cricketers an avenue to explore with gay abandon. The returns are enormous.
PC: India Today
- As mentioned above, the supply chain of cricketers to replace some of the most glittering names in the game is a wonderment. Indian cricket is always embellished with such cricketing luminaries over the decades that these names will make any true connoisseur go green with envy. Especially the batters emerging from India have been no less than sensational, to say the least. Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman, Sourav Ganguly, Virat Kohli, and Cheteshwar Pujara, just to name a few. As we are aware, the position of number three batter in the Test line-up is extremely important not only to thwart the opposition bowlers but also to help consolidate the innings by staying at the crease for a great amount of time.
PC: Yahoo Sports
- The solidity, ability to play longer sessions, holding one end up, and not allowing an inch to the opposition bowlers define the role of the number three batter in a Test lineup. Some of the biggest names to have made this position their own, like Dilip Vengsarkar, the Wall Rahul Dravid, and Cheteshwar Pujara, have rendered yeoman services to the cause of Indian cricket with great distinction over decades. Who does not recognize the immense contributions of Rahul Dravid in that position, serving the Indian team with amazing consistency, tenacity, and resilience? Impenetrable defence was the hallmark of Rahul Dravid, offering tremendous solidity to the batting. The legacy was admirably continued by Cheteshwar Pujara with great success as well.
PC: Hindustan Times
- Since Pujara retired from international cricket, Team India has been on the lookout for an able replacement. Mind you, the team is in a transition period with big names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin calling it a day. While building the team is of paramount importance, finding an able number three to consolidate the batting was of utmost significance, too. Thankfully, Team India appears to have found a promising number three batter in the form of a southpaw from Karnataka, Devdutt Padikkal. Making good use of the opportunity presented, Padikkal has already scored two back-to-back centuries in the ongoing two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. He should be given a long rope to establish himself in this position. Hopefully, he will succeed.
