{
  "id": 2738317,
  "title": "Pujara backs Padikkal at No. 3, says Sai Sudharsan must remain in India’s Test plans",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/pujara-backs-padikkal-at-no-3-says-sai-sudharsan-must-remain-in",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-23T06:38:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pujara-backs-padikkal-no-3-063800548.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When India and Sri Lanka face off at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Sunday, former India No. 3 Cheteshwar Pujara reminisces about his own memorable experience playing there. Back in 2015, Pujara led India to victory in a series by scoring an unbeaten 145 against a surprisingly seaming track. In an interview, Pujara praised Devdutt Padikkal's performance in the first Test and suggested that the young batsman deserves a chance at No. 3. However, he also emphasized that it's essential not to overlook Sai Sudharsan, who has been a valuable member of the Indian Test squad. Pujara is hopeful that if Padikkal continues to perform well in New Zealand and against Australia at home, he will eventually secure a lasting position in the team.",
  "summary": "Cheteshwar Pujara reminisces about his remarkable innings at the Sinhalese Sports Club back in 2015, expressing admiration for Devdutt Padikkal's potential to fill the number three batting position. He emphasizes that Padikkal must deliver consistent performances to solidify his role. Additionally, Pujara advocates for considering Sai Sudharsan for upcoming Test selections, noting that Padikkal…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "'Gambhir has no work': Kris Srikkanth slams India coach over handling of Devdutt Padikkal in Indian team",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/gambhir-has-no-work-kris-srikkanth-slams-india-coach-over-handling-of",
        "published": "2026-08-22T16:35:15.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}