Photo via Hindustan Times

‘Captaincy helps my batting’: Devdutt Padikkal looking forward to leading against Australia A

Devdutt Padikkal has been appointed to skipper the India A squad in a pair of four-day fixtures facing Australia A in Puducherry, beginning September 22. The left-hander, who was named Player of the Series in Sri Lanka after registering consecutive Test hundreds upon ending a nearly two-year hiatus from international duty, believes taking charge elevated his form during his stint guiding Karnataka late last season.

The assignment comes on the heels of the Duleep Trophy final, where South Zone, captained by Tilak Varma, conceded victory to East Zone via an initial-innings advantage. Padikkal expressed enthusiasm about importing his domestic leadership background into the national developmental squad, noting that the duty of prioritizing victories sharpens his individual batting focus.

Also featured in the India A group is Sai Sudharsan, the Tamil Nadu batter who previously occupied the third spot in India's Test order from the preceding year before an injury cleared the way for Padikkal in Galle and Colombo. With observers expecting Padikkal's performances against both quicks and spinners to secure him the number three slot for the upcoming November Test tour in New Zealand, he acknowledged the ongoing battle for roster positions in Indian cricket.