Padikkal named Player of Series after 328 runs in India's Sri Lanka Test win

Devdutt Padikkal has cemented his status as a key contender for India's Test batting lineup after being named Player of the Series for his performances in the recently concluded two-match series against Sri Lanka. The left-hander scored 328 runs at an average of 109.33, including centuries of 167 and 117, as India secured a 1-0 series victory. Padikkal seized the opportunity at the No. 3 position after regular starter Sai Sudharsan was ruled out due to injury. He capitalized fully, demonstrating maturity and technical skill on slow, turning pitches in Galle and Colombo. His efforts were central to India's dominance in the first Test, which they won by 165 runs.