New Delhi, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Sri Lanka cricketer Russel Arnold has praised Devdutt Padikkal and Manav Suthar for playing pivotal roles in India’s emphatic 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium.
Playing only his third Test, Padikkal stepped into the No. 3 position in the absence of B Sai Sudharsan and produced a career-best 167 in the first innings. His knock helped India establish firm control of the match, while his second-innings 44 further strengthened the visitors’ lead.
“Padikkal seems to be in a great zone. He just seems to know exactly what he’s about. He uses his strengths really well, and that’s his reach and the way he uses his feet,” Arnold told IANS during a virtual interaction organised by Sony Sports Network on Thursday.
Arnold said Padikkal’s ability to score on slower pitches was particularly impressive, noting that several batters struggled in the match.
“He’s shown a lot of class and quality, and I reckon he’s one that India can expect a lot from,” he said.
While Padikkal provided the foundation with the bat, Suthar’s disciplined left-arm spin proved decisive with the ball. The spinner from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, returned match figures of 4-76 and 6-55, outshining India’s more experienced spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
Arnold praised Suthar’s uncomplicated approach, describing his patience and subtle variations as key strengths. He compared the youngster’s method to that of Sri Lankan spin great Rangana Herath, who built his success through accuracy, patience and variations in pace and release.
“The patience of Suthar is what took him through, and that is hard to maintain,” Arnold said.
The emergence of the two players offers encouragement for India as the Test side looks to address key long-term vacancies. With Ravichandran Ashwin retired, Jadeja moving towards the latter stage of his career and India still seeking a settled No. 3 following Cheteshwar Pujara’s departure, Padikkal and Suthar have provided timely signs of promise.
India will face tougher challenges in the future, including assignments against Australia and New Zealand, but will hope the two can carry their Galle form into the second Test in Colombo, beginning Sunday.
The second Test will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD and HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD and HD in Hindi, Sony Sports Ten 4 SD in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada, and Sony LIV. Day One coverage begins at 10 a.m. IST on August 23, 2026.
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