Devdutt Padikkal says he is not taking his India Test position for granted after cementing himself in the team’s crucial No. 3 batting role. Multiple outlets report he has moved into the spot previously held by prominent former players.

The role has historically been associated with batters such as Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara, and outlets note that Padikkal directly addresses the expectations that come with replacing established names. Rather than emphasizing the comparison, he says he is focusing on his own preparation and performance.

Across the coverage, the emphasis is consistent on Padikkal’s mindset: he acknowledges the significance of the No. 3 position but avoids getting drawn into comparisons with past India greats. The reporting does not present differing views on facts such as his selection or the historical context of the batting order; instead, it focuses on his response to public expectations.